Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Mario Balotelli "needs to improve" after a slow start to the Italian's career at Anfield.

Balotelli has scored just one goal for the Reds and was dropped from the side that beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Saturday.

The Daily Mail quotes Rodgers as saying: "I think in terms of his behaviour since he's come into here, into the training, he's consciously trying to work hard at the aspects of the game of which we would demand here at Liverpool in terms of his intensity and that work rate.

"I think in terms of goals he needs to improve. It's as simple as that. As a striker, not just him but any striker or attacking player, you're judged on your goals and your games and the number of assists that you make.

"Of course at this moment he hasn't probably hit the numbers that he would want to."

Liverpool travel to Queens Park Rangers after the international break.