Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits Mario Balotelli can be hard work.

Mancini is confident that Balotelli has all the attributes required to become one of the world's top strikers if he can keep his mind focused on the job.

Mancini said: "With Mario it is never easy. But we keep in our mind that Mario is young, and young guys can have different behaviour.

"I know him very well. I know he is a fantastic guy.

"I want him to work well all the time, in every training session and every match because this year he could be an important player for us.

"He has everything. He has the technical ability. He is strong. He shoots very well. He can score with his head. He needs time but he can become one of the top players."