Mario Balotelli has been put in charge of organising Man City's Christmas party this year.

The 21-year-old Italian forward - known for his slightly eccentric behaviour - volunteered to become planner of the bash for players and staff in a couple of months.

"Mario isn't one for drinking and falling out of clubs, he just thinks he can take a party to the next level," a City source told the Daily Star Sunday. "But some of the lads aren't so sure. They are half-expecting imported snow with tigers and dwarves.

"He is always on the look-out for the next big laugh and it's just as likely everyone would turn up to an empty room. Mario has this cheeky glint in his eye and it is making people extremely nervous."

Yesterday, teammate Nigel de Jong praised Balotelli for his burgeoning 'maturity'.