Roberto Mancini has said that he has been impressed with Mario Balotelli's apparent change in attitude over the last few weeks.

The 21-year-old has made just one appearance for City since the Community Shield last month, after being dropped in favour of in-form strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko.

However, the former Inter boss admits that the controversial Italian has worked hard since being dropped.

"In the last four weeks he has worked very well," Mancini said.

"I've been very impressed with his attitude. I'm not sure we can say he has changed in the space of four weeks but he's worked well, even though he hasn't played, and I'm sure he can have a good season.

"Mario can also play as a winger as well as a striker, so maybe he can have more chances if we play with Aguero, Carlos [Tevez] or Dzeko as our two strikers."

Balotelli has made 18 league appearances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium just over a year ago.