Boss: Balotelli is working to impress
Brendan Rodgers has revealed the scale of Mario Balotelli's endeavour in training during the past fortnight before the Italian goes in search of his first league goal for Liverpool at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
The No.45 remained alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson at the club's Melwood base during the international break, using the interval in Barclays Premier League football to put in the hours at the complex in West Derby.
Having opened his Reds account with a fine piece of subtle finishing in last month's Champions League victory over Ludogorets Razgrad at Anfield, the next target for Balotelli is to register in domestic competition.
Doing so would be a perfect fillip as Rodgers' charges attempt to secure back-to-back Premier League victories - and the manager reserved particular praise for the dedication shown by his striker in the last two weeks.
"He is a really good boy and is so keen to impress," the Northern Irishman commented to the Liverpool Echo on his final signing of the summer transfer window.
"He is doing his best and has worked very hard during the international break. Mario has worked like a lion over the past fortnight. Nobody is more determined than him to show his value and worth."