Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has dismissed suggestions that Mario Balotelli's career at Anfield is all but over and dubbed the Italian a fighter.
The Reds manager splashed out £16m to sign Balotelli from AC Milan in the summer, but has quickly deemed the former Manchester City man not worthy of inclusion in his team.
Indeed, Balotelli was not even included in Rodgers' matchday squad for Liverpool's 0-0 FA Cup draw against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, despite being fit to play.
The Liverpool manager indicated post match that Balotelli had not done enough in training to warrant inclusion and it was quickly suggested his time at Anfield is coming to an end.
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But not so says the Northern Irishman, telling a press conference: "We'll give Mario every chance.
"We brought him in to give him every chance to show that he can perform consistently for a team at this level.
"He's a good boy who wants to fight for his opportunity and his chance here.
"I've seen some clippings saying this morning that's him over with here and that's not the case at all."
Balotelli is still waiting to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool following his £16m summer switch.
He has been linked with returning to Italy, with clubs such as Inter, Sampdoria, Lazio and Napoli all mooted as monitoring developments regarding the striker at Anfield.
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