Brendan Rodgers says Balotelli still has a future at Liverpool

London - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted Monday that controversial striker Mario Balotelli does have a future at Anfield.

Speculation over the Italy forward's career on Merseyside intensified after he was left out of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Bolton Wanderers on form grounds, although the forwards selected in his place failed to find the back of the net in a goalless draw with the second division club.

Since making a £16 million ($24 million, 21 million euros) move from AC Milan in August, Balotelli has managed just two goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

However, Rodgers said after the Bolton match he expected Balotelli to fight for a first-team place, having previously ruled out selling him during the January transfer window.

And the Reds boss, speaking ahead of Tuesday's League Cup semi-final second leg clash away to Chelsea, said Monday: "We will give Mario every chance. We brought him in here for this season to give him every chance to show consistently that he can play at a team consistently at the top level.

"It has been a difficult period for him -- no doubt -- but he is a good boy who does want to fight for his opportunity and chance here," the Northern Irish manager added.

"I have seen some (press) clippings this morning (saying) that that is him over with -- but that's not the case at all," Rodgers stressed.

"I think (we) have shown here a number of times with players that have been out of the fold, for various reasons, that if they work hard in training, show the intensity and show the focus then they have every chance of getting back in the team -- and not only getting back in it but staying in it.

"The opportunity is there for Mario, and for every player - not just him."