Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has no doubt team-mate Mario Balotelli is one of the best players in the world and is backing the striker to go on a scoring run following his goal in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup win over Swansea.

Mario Balotelli had provided an answer to his critics although he was still involved in some controversial-looking incidents during Liverpool’s dramatic 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Swansea at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has embraced the club’s rich past in order to develop its future by drafting in former stars Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Rob Jones to help coach academy youngsters.

Liverpool pair Jose Reina and Jamie Carragher could both return to action in Sunday’s Barclays League game at Aston Villa.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes insists it is “not over yet” for the bottom-placed side despite their miserable season continuing yesterday.

Liverpool earned victory at QPR despite being hit by a winter vomiting virus that laid low manager Brendan Rodgers and several of his playing staff on the morning of the game.

QPR 0 Liverpool 3

Liverpool have finalised changes to their academy set-up which they hope will improve the flow of players into the first team squad.