England boss Fabio Capello has hailed Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli as a reformed character of "huge class".

Capello believes that Balotelli has matured recently, despite his involvement in a fireworks blaze at his Cheshire home on the eve of the Manchester derby.

"Balotelli is no longer the person he was a little while ago." Capello said. "He accepts referees' decisions and has put himself at the team's disposal.

"It is due reward for Mancini, who has wanted to keep him in the team despite having read all those terrible things about him.

"Balotelli is a player of huge class and his coach can strike it rich with him."

Balotelli has recently lent his support to a fireworks safety campaign.