Manchester City winger Adam Johnson says Mario Balotelli proved his class in victory at Blackburn Rovers.

Balotelli struck a superb goal in the resounding win.

Johnson said: "It was a classic striker's goal and you don't really associate Mario with them. But he can do that sort of thing.

"Some people seem to think he's someone a bit fancy who scores a great goal now and again. But he's more than that. He'll score the tap-ins and scruffy goals as well. He can do everything a striker needs."

First-team coach David Platt reckons the former Inter Milan ace has settled here now.

Platt said: "In the last six or seven weeks, we have seen a smile on his face in training.

"His concentration levels are up. He comes in and does his work and there are no distractions off the pitch.

"He has bided his time, too. There were three or four games when he didn't get on. Then he came on last week, got his goal and has gone on from there.

"His performance at Blackburn was very, very good.

"He is still young. It is very difficult to move countries - I used to play in Italy - and to do it at that age is particularly difficult."