Rio de Janeiro, Sep 22 (IANS): Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho has backed Paulo Henrique Ganso to make Brazil squad for the 2014 World Cup.

The former Selecao No.10 has not played an international fixture since Brazil's ill-fated 2012 London Olympics campaign, reports Xinhua.

After battling injuries and poor form, the 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his old self since Ramalho replaced Paulo Autuori as Sao Paulo coach earlier this month.

"I try to get the best out of all of my players," Ramalho said Saturday. "He (Ganso) knows what I want because he understands football."

Ramalho was Ganso's coach for two trophy-laden years at Santos, which included the 2011 Copa Libertadores triumph - South America's most coveted club competition.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has expressed a desire to confirm most of his World Cup squad by the end of the year.

Ramalho believes it is sufficient time for Ganso to reaffirm his international credentials.

"If I put myself in Felipao's shoes, I can understand that much of the squad has already been decided," Ramalho said.

But he has also told the other players to work as hard as they can. "Football can change quickly. The guy (Ganso) could start playing well and attract attention. The door is still open."