Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has praised Mario Balotelli, and stated that the rest of the players at the club support the attacker, regardless of his off-field antics.

The Italy international has brought controversy with him to England since his move from Inter Milan back in August 2010, with the latest incident being the use of fireworks in his bathroom on the eve of Sunday's Manchester derby.

However, on the pitch the striker cannot be faulted; Balotelli bagged a brace in the Etihad Stadium outfit's 6-1 demolition of United at the weekend, making it six goals in five games for the youngster.

Despite the forward's unpredictable nature, the England international goalkeeper has revealed that Roberto Mancini's men are 100 per cent behind him.

"I think we were all a bit unsure last season, outside and inside, what he was about," Hart stated to City TV.

"I think he has grown as a person and accepted who and what he is in this team. He is someone we look to. All the hype that comes with Mario is standard procedure. That is the beauty of football, that is what he is.

"You get these characters and sometimes it is frustrating to be with him, but not so much this season.

"His head is really screwed on and we are all 100 per cent behind him. I think everyone is delighted he is getting the right kind of love he deserves," he concluded.

City sit top of the Premier League after their impressive victory on Sunday, and take on Wolves at home next Saturday.

By Gareth McKnight

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