Balotelli display impresses Platt

Manchester City first-team coach David Platt hailed a mature performance from Mario Balotelli in Saturday's routine win over Blackburn.

Balotelli opened the scoring as City ran out 3-0 winners in a one-sided contest at the Etihad Stadium to move five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The maverick Italian striker was making his first league appearance for a month after serving a four-match domestic ban for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker.

Platt said: "I actually thought he was very disciplined in his performance and his work rate was exceptional both on and off the ball. His temperament was good. He can be pleased with his afternoon's work."

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