Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that Mario Balotelli remains an important part of his plans.
The 22-year-old forward did not even make the bench today, as City recorded a 3-1 win at Newcastle United.
Mancini admits that Balotelli's recent performances have not been good enough, however he remains adamant that the player has an important future at the Etihad Stadium.
Asked if Balotelli has a future at City, Mancini replied: "Yes. Why not?
"He needs to work and if he deserves to play because he worked well then he will do, but if not he will be in the stands or on the bench like all of the other players.
"He needs to train and when he starts to play like his quality he will play again. We won the championship last year because all four of the strikers were scoring goals and we want that again."
Balotelli has scored three goals in 18 club appearances this season.
