Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has backed team-mate Mario Balotelli to become one of the top strikers in the Premier League.

The Italian was widely criticised for his performance in the Manchester derby, with some suggesting that manager Roberto Mancini has run out of patience with the 22-year-old.

However, the Sky Blues' coach insisted his hit-man will be going nowhere in January and Toure feels that Balotelli will repay the faith being shown in him:

“Mario is an unbelievable player, but sometimes he can be angry with himself,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“All players need to improve, and I talk all the time with Mario.

“This year especially he has been working hard in training, and improving well, but sometimes in the game you can get so disappointed when you lose small things.

“But he has fantastic character, and I know he will be one of the top strikers in the Premier League.”

Balotelli’s time in England has been filled with controversy, with multiple off-field misdemeanours making national headlines.

It hasn’t been much better whilst in action, as he has struggled to fully adapt to the rigours of Premier League football.

This has led to strong speculation of a switch to AC Milan, who are thought to be interested.