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Brazil boss Tite will start Roberto Firmino alongside Neymar in Tuesday night's friendly encounter with Cameroon in Milton Keynes.

The Liverpool striker has largely had to play second fiddle to Gabriel Jesus under Tite's watch, but started in the win over Uruguay last week.

The Manchester City forward had been expected to return to the line-up for the match against Clarence Seedorf's men, but speaking on Monday night, the Selecao coach revealed Firmino will keep his spot.

"Roberto Firmino is still a new player in the national team and so it's only fair to give him his chance to get used to that position and to create his understanding with the players around him," said Tite.

Tite's comments are surprising given Firmino has 28 caps already, but suggest that he is set to hand the 27-year-old more responsibility in the coming months - with next summer's Copa America fast approaching.

(Image: Action Plus via Getty Images)

Tite has also praised Neymar, buoyed by the player's response to being named captain on a permanent basis.

Brazil rotated the armband during the World Cup, where the PSG superstar was widely criticised for perceived play-acting.

But Tite has made the world's most expensive player his skipper since and he believes the role is helping him to develop into a leader.

(Image: Sportimage/PA Images)

"This isn't a prize, it's a responsibility. I wanted him to be more open with the press and grow. I'm happy with how things have turned out.

"In the dressing room he's a character, on the field he is a leader. The other day when he did his press conference he came with his son. That wasn't forced, it was to show he has a human side.

"That's important, when you are captain, how to project yourself. I think it's certainly been a success so far."