Daniel Sturridge has claimed his Liverpool strike partner Mario Balotelli is misunderstood after backing the Italian to answer his critics following a tough start to his career at Anfield.
Thigh and calf problems have meant Sturridge has not played for Liverpool since August, with Balotelli struggling in the lone striking role as some of his critics have suggested his future at Anfield is already in doubt.
Balotelli's goal in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win against Swansea was a much-needed boost for the striker who has yet to score a Premier League goal for the club that paid 16 million pounds to sign him from AC Milan last summer, yet Sturridge stresses questions over Balotelli's character on and off the pitch are misguided.
"Mario is really cool and I get along with him -- I enjoy working with him," Sturridge told the Daily Mirror.
"He is just a regular young guy, but everyone says similar things about him like he is wild and then he ends up getting stereotyped.
"He is under the microscope and he is at that level where he is known around the world and he does get scrutinised. I think the average 24-year-old or guys who go to university who are a little younger will have done a lot crazier things than him. Everyone makes mistakes and has flaws -- he is just finding his way."
Balotelli received a mixed reception from the Liverpool supporters when he took to the field for the final few minutes of the cup tie against Swansea on Tuesday, but the scepticism turns to cheers as he scored seven minutes after his arrival on the field.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will now face a decision over whether to start with Balotelli in Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at St James' Park, with Sturridge still some way off a return to first team action.