Hull City boss Steve Bruce was full of praise for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli after yesterday's 0-0 draw. Balotelli's lack of goals was lampooned in a publicity stunt staged by a bookmaker outside the ground, who offered fans the chance to swap shirts bearing the player's name.
But Hull boss Steve Bruce was also impressed by the contribution of the former Manchester City forward and feels the criticism has been harsh.
Bruce said: "I thought he was their best player. There is a lot written about him and a lot of debate about him and he is not everyone's cup of tea, but he is a bit of a character, a bit of a maverick. When you sign a maverick you have to treat him like one and get the best out of him somehow.
"He is going through one of those sticky periods but the kid is a talent."
