"We are at a period where we have got a bit of a squad and people have to play for their places - Michael is no exception," says Paul.
"We want people to play to the best of their ability and be fully motivated; he is working hard in training and I know for a fact he was very pleased with the ovation he got at Spurs.
"I know from my playing days when you get criticised you have to be broad shouldered - but this is his first blip, he is a talented player, and we are all there to help him.
"No one takes it well being left out; don't get me wrong, but look at the big sides and they change their sides every week.
"It is not always according to form; it is rotation and I wouldn't say we are rotating yet!"
Paul is backing Joe Cole to get amongst the goals this season, and adds:
"Joe has had more opportunities this year than half a season last year so that is credit to him - he needs just to steady himself now.
"It takes bottle to score a goal; it is easy to larrup one over the bar but the hardest place is to put it in the net.
"The next hardest is to put it on target; I am a big advocate of doing that because then the goalkeeper has to work."
Of Manchester City, he says:
"All of Kevin's sides try and win; I think it will be a cracker an hope we will win it.
"There is no cannon fodder in the Premiership; sometimes you can play a team a bit out of form but there are no easy games.
"We need to take some of the chances we are making and we must stop conceding silly goals; we are very positive and everyone has worked hard.
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