Tottenham Hotspur star Emerson Royal is undertaking 'extra work behind the scenes' at Hotspur Way as he steps up his efforts to convince boss Antonio Conte that he should remain his first choice right wing-back, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Spurs are just four points adrift of the Premier League summit and the Brazilian has been a called upon regularly since the season got underway.

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What's the latest news involving Royal?

Royal has been omitted from Tottenham's starting line-up on just one occasion this term, but he is set to miss the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

That is because he was sent off during the north London derby defeat to Arsenal last weekend, leading to a suspension.

Conte reacted to Royal's dismissal by heavily criticising the use of VAR as referee Anthony Taylor's decision to brandish a red card following the challenge on Gabriel Martinelli was upheld.

The Italian has also defended the 23-year-old, who joined Spurs in a deal worth close to £26million from Barcelona last year, in recent days.

Having been blasted by sections of the fanbase after persisting with Royal, Conte hit back by stating 'the choices are mine'.

What has Dean Jones said about Royal?

Jones believes Royal's position is not under threat from the likes of Matt Doherty and £20million summer signing Djed Spence despite his red card against Arsenal.

The journalist feels the South American has shown his dedication on the training pitch as he looks to prove disgruntled supporters wrong.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think that his situation is probably assessed more on the outside than it is on the inside.

"I know that there are players who it looks like are obvious candidates to play there instead of him and, maybe for his sake, it's lucky that the fans don't pick the team.

"But, from everything I hear, Emerson Royal puts in a lot of extra work behind the scenes to convince Conte that he can be the player he's looking for in that role."

What extra work has Royal been doing?

According to The Sun, Royal has spent £800,000 in a bid to improve his performances and meet Conte's demands.

The report suggests he has bought a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, been working with a neuroscientist to help cope with psychological pressures and commissioned a personal scouting report of Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi, who made 45 appearances during Conte's time in charge at Inter Milan.

It is understood that Conte, who was appointed as Tottenham's head coach last November, has been impressed with Royal's 'dedication' and 'work rate'.

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