Balotelli an absolute waste of time for Liverpool, says Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson launched a scathing attack on Mario Balotelli after the Italian striker failed to make the difference against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Balotelli came off the bench in the second half of the Reds' FA Cup quarter-final tie against Blackburn at Anfield but his introduction was not enough to prevent a replay as the game finished goalless.

The Italy international has now gone five competitive matches without scoring and has only netted four goals in all competitions since joining Liverpool from AC Milan for €20 million, and Lawrenson believes he is a waste of space at Anfield.

"Forget about Mario Balotelli. He is an absolute waste of time. He shouldn't be anywhere near this team," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I can see why Brendan Rodgers threw him on against Blackburn as he might just create something but 99 times out of 100 he will let you down."

Lawrenson's criticism comes days after Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, insisted the striker was developing even more under Rodgers.