Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has denied claims that Mario Balotelli's career at Anfield is over.

The Reds boss admitted on Saturday that he has left the striker out of the side because of his poor form.

While Rodgers has acknowledged that Balotelli has struggled to impress since his move to Merseyside, he has reiterated that is not prepared to give up on the Italy international yet.

"It's been a difficult period for Mario but he wants to fight for an opportunity here," Goal.com quotes Rodgers as saying.

"The opportunity is there."

Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan during the summer.