Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that Mario Balotelli has the talent to shine in the Premier League after coming up against his countryman in the FA Cup this afternoon.
Balotelli came off the bench in the second half as City proved too strong for the Hornets, running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Marcos Lopez.
Zola has revealed that Balotelli is a player that he cares about and believes that he still has the potential to turn things round at City despite his topsy-turvy time in Manchester to date.
He told The Independent: "I have a real affection for Mario. I do care about him and when he came on he caused us so many problems. You have to understand his potential and you have to master it.
"It is not down to me to say whether he should stay at Manchester City or go. I am only concerned that a young man with a lot of potential should be allowed to shine."
The 22-year-old has scored just once in the Premier League for City so far this season.
Liam Power
