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EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli puts in EXTRA training
MARIO BALOTELLI is putting in extra training in a bid to save his Liverpool career.
Balotelli was the last man standing at Liverpool's Melwood HQ this afternoon as Brendan Rodgers prepared his squad for their clash with Hull tomorrow (3pm).
The under-fire Italian put in an extra shift and was the last player to come into the changing rooms.
Balotelli stayed on the training pitches for 15 minutes after the rest of the squad had left.
The 24-year-old was practising long free-kicks on his own before he noticed some on-watching supporters.
Balotelli was shouted at by a young boy and his dad who had managed to get themselves on top of a surrounding fence.
The former AC Milan and Manchester City ace promptly walked over to the father and son and offered to sign their football.
Balotelli exchanged a few words with the pair before heading back to the pitch, as an onlooking security guard kept an eye on things.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted Balotelli has some making up to do, with the controversial player facing a fight for his Anfield future.
Balotelli came under criticism for swapping shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time during Liverpool's 3-0 Champions League defeat in midweek.
Despite having only joined in August for £16million, Rodgers could look to flog him as early as January.
When asked directly if he would look to replace Balotelli - who signed a three-year contract on his arrival - he said: "I don't really want to go down that route [of questioning].
"He is an individual talent who is working hard to try to fit into the team ethos here and the team identity, but only time will tell.
"We brought in the player to give him a chance and give him every chance. At this moment time of course he hasn't scored the goals we would like or want.
"It's not just about improving him; it's about improving all the players. And we will see come January what the team needs."