Mario Balotelli receives Yaya Toure backing

Yaya Toure has tipped his Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli to become "one of the top strikers in the Premier League".

Italian international Balotelli has been involved in a number of incidents both on and off the field of play ever since he joined City in the summer of 2010 from Inter Milan.

However, despite acknowledging that the 22-year-old could benefit from controlling his anger, Toure has backed Balotelli to eventually fulfil his potential.

"Mario is an unbelievable player, but sometimes he can be angry with himself. All players need to improve," Toure told the Manchester Evening News.

"He has fantastic character and I know he will be one of the top strikers in the Premier League."

City, who travel to Newcastle United at the weekend, are currently second in the Premier League.