Liverpool defender Kolo Toure expects Mario Balotelli to be boosted by goal

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure believes Mario Balotelli’s goal against Swansea in their 2-1 Capital One Cup victory will provide him with a huge confidence boost.

Balotelli came off the bench to score the equaliser at Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

He is one of the best. He has just been missing goals but they will come now.

Toure played alongside Balotelli at Manchester City before their paths crossed again on Merseyside and the centre-back is convinced he can now go on to enjoy a productive season after claiming only his second goal of the campaign in all competitions.

"Mario needs to feed himself by scoring goals. Now he's got that one he will do that now, definitely,” Toure told the Liverpool Echo.

"Getting that goal will be fantastic for his confidence. He is a great player, he has just been lacking goals.

"Mario is my mate and I've tried to help him like (Liverpool captain) Stevie (Gerrard), the manager (Brendan Rodgers) and everyone else in the dressing room.

"We all know he's a top player. I always tell him 'you need to get out there and show you are one of the best players in the world'.

"He is one of the best. He has just been missing goals but they will come now."