Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has denied that he and former Citizens striker Craig Bellamy ever had a falling-out.

Bellamy and Mancini are reported to have had several rows at the Etihad Stadium after the Italian's arrival, leading to the 32-year-old's eventual exit from the club. However, the former Inter boss claims that the striker simply slipped down the pecking order.

"Bellamy is a good player," he said. "I am happy for him because he played very well. He is in good form.

"[At Manchester City] he was fit often but because we had three or four strikers it was difficult for him."

Mancini and company travel to Merseyside to face Bellamy and company later today.