Wednesday 29 October 2014 13:41, UK
Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe has revealed Mario Balotelli played in Tuesday night's Capital One Cup win over Swansea despite suffering an injury scare in the warm-up.
The Italy international came off the bench to score the equalising goal as Liverpool came from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 and reach the quarter-finals.
Balotelli was expected to start but felt a problem in his knee during the warm-up, according to Pascoe, and the striker emerged from the game without any further problems.
Pascoe said: "He twisted his studs in the ground in the warm-up and he was sent in to see the physio.
"He felt something in his knee but, as you saw, he came on and his knee looked alright. We had to assess him but he's fine - it was just a precaution.
"I didn't know until the end of the game but, with the way he was moving about, I don't think there was much wrong with his knee."
Balotelli scored only his second goal since his summer move from AC Milan and his future at Anfield has fallen under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks.
But Pascoe insists the forward is working tirelessly in training to find his best.
"Mario is working hard and he got his just rewards by coming on and getting the goal – it was great for him and something to build on," he said.
"He's still a young lad, a tremendous talent, and he wants to work on his movement and finishing after every session."
