Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has rubbished reports that Mario Balotelli kicked a Wolverhampton Wanderers player in the head last Friday.

The Reds' behind-closed-doors friendly with Kenny Jackett's side was marred by claims that the Italy international was involved in an altercation with George Saville.

Balotelli is no stranger to controversial on-the-field incidents, having being involved in several in a previous spell with Manchester City.

However, Rodgers claims that the striker has been as "good as gold" since arriving at Anfield from AC Milan last month.

"We played a fantastic game here. Both Kenny Jackett and I watched the game against Wolves," he told reporters. "It was a really competitive game, a good game. And Mario falls over, having been tackled by the young guy George Saville, who I know very well.

"I've known him since he was nine years of age. He's a terrific young player, who's just gone to Wolves. Both of them tackled, they fell over. George gets up, rubs his head, and the next thing I know is that it's reported that Mario kicked him in the head.

"It's incredible what people write, and what's reported. There was no incident at all, and Mario's been as good as gold since coming in."

The 24-year-old made his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.