Monday 26 January 2015 20:23, UK
Brendan Rodgers has told Mario Balotelli he can still become a first-team regular at Liverpool.
Balotelli is yet to score in the Premier League for Liverpool and did not even make the bench for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Bolton, prompting speculation his chances of succeeding at Anfield have already passed.
But Rodgers says he would never write off any player for good and has challenged the Italian striker to force his way back into his plans.
"We'll give Mario every chance," he said. "We brought him here this season to give him every chance to show he can play consistently at the top in a team at this level.
"It has been a difficult perod for him, but he's a good boy who wants to fight for his opportunity here. I've seen some clippings this morning saying that's him over with, and it's not the case at all.
"I think I've shown here a number of times - players that have been out of the fold for various reasons, if they work hard every day in training and show the intensity and focus then they've every chance of getting back in the team - and not only of getting back in the team, but staying there. So the opportunity's there for Mario and for every player."
Balotelli's path to the starting line-up will be further blocked by the imminent return of Daniel Sturridge, who trained on Sunday after five months out with a thigh injury.
The England striker could make his comeback in the Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday, with the tie evenly poised after a 1-1 first-leg draw at Anfield.
Rodgers said: "He trained very, very well, and that was as comfortable as he's looked. Even when he was coming back before [from a previous injury] he was bit tentative, but I thought he looked back to normal.
"We'll see how he feels - if he's not ready we won't risk it. He's been out a long time and we just need to make sure he's ready and feels ready."
Watch Chelsea v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 from 7pm on Tuesday.
