Roberto Mancini has paid tribute to the way Mario Balotelli has conducted himself in recent weeks.

The Italian striker came off the bench to open the scoring during Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Everton earlier today and Mancini was delighted with his performance.

"Mario didn't start for three or four games but he has worked well, did not say anything and he was waiting for this moment," Mancini told BBC Sport.

"He scored an important goal and now it is important that he can continue.

"He was really happy. Sometimes when he scores he is unhappy but he knew this was a very big goal for us."

Balotelli, 21, joined City in 2010 from Inter Milan.

Written by
Liam Apicella