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Brendan Rodgers insists Mario Balotelli will be given the chance to salvage his Liverpool FC career.

The controversial Italian striker, who has netted just twice in 18 appearances for the club, didn’t even make the bench for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bolton in the FA Cup at Anfield.

Many have viewed that as the final nail in Balotelli’s hopes of establishing himself at Liverpool.

But Rodgers has dismissed suggestions he’s looking to off-load the £16m frontman before transfer deadline day.

“We will give Mario every chance,” Rodgers said.

“We brought him in here for this season to give him every chance to show consistently that he can play for a team at the top of this level.

“It’s been a difficult period for him but he’s a good boy. He wants to fight for his chance here.

“I’ve seen some bits this morning suggesting that’s him done here. That’s not the case at all.

“I’ve shown in my time here that if players who have been out the fold for various reasons work hard every day in training and show intensity and focus then they have every chance of getting back in the side and staying there.”

In pictures: Mario Balotelli signs for Liverpool FC in August 2014