Tottenham's new French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has pledged to remain "professional" and "focused" despite controversial comments made by manager Andre Villas-Boas this week.

Villas-Boas publicly praised Brad Friedel, Lloris's rival for Tottenham's goalkeeping slot, and said the veteran American is still Spurs' first-choice number 1.

The comments have been met with widespread surprise, given that Lloris is the current France captain and was expected to become first-choice at White Hart Lane immediately.

France manager Didier Deschamps has also expressed concern, telling reporters that if Lloris' game time is limited it may jeopardise his chances for the national team.

Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris says he won't be drawn into a war of words over selection issues with Andre Villas-Boas. Reuters

Villas-Boas has a history of problems with players in his squad. Indeed player unrest was cited as a major reason for his sacking by Chelsea last season.

However Lloris, who is currently with the French squad as they prepare for the first round of World Cup qualifiers, is not letting Villas-Boas's latest comments get to him. He told reporters:

"About my personal situation, it is neither the right place nor the right moment to talk about it. I am only sure I am perfectly focused in the best way on the French team and at the coach's disposal for the start of the World Cup qualifier.

"I believe I can be professional and take things into consideration. Today I am only focused on the French team objective."