Moussa Sissoko says his self-belief has never wavered despite struggling to hold down a first-team place at Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Sissoko, 27, arrived at Tottenham with much expected of him after his £30 million move from Newcastle United in the summer and his impressive displays at Euro 2016.

The France international, however, has so far failed to make much of an impact and has found himself on the periphery of Mauricio Pochettino's squad, with the Spurs boss criticising him for his work rate last month.

Moussa Sissoko joined Tottenham for £30 million from Newcastle. Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Sissoko has made just one start in his last seven appearances for Tottenham, and has not featured in the starting lineup of a Premier League game since mid-October, though he says he is ignoring the critics and his confidence remains high.

"I'm happy with what I did coming off the bench even if I would have liked to have left here with a point," Sissoko told SFR Sport after replacing Son Heung-Min for the last 33 minutes of Spurs' 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

"A lot of things have been said, but I stay strong in my head. I continue working, doing the things I have always done. I have faith in myself, in my qualities, and I know I'll stay in this team."