Balotelli: Strike partner would help me break duck

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli insists he is working harder to become more of a threat in the penalty area but would prefer a partner to play off.

The Italy international may get his wish for greater support, with Daniel Sturridge set to return from a thigh injury against QPR this weekend after missing the last seven matches.

In his absence Balotelli has toiled alone up front with just one goal — against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets — to show for his efforts since a £16million summer move from AC Milan.