Liverpool legend John Aldridge says Mario Balotelli was RIGHT to take the matchwinning spotkick against Europa League opponents Besiktas last week.

Writing in the Sunday World, Aldridge argued: "I can't imagine anyone supported Jordan Henderson's claims to take the decisive penalty ahead of Mario Balotelli in last Thursday night's Europa League game against Besiktas at Anfield.

"Let's be honest, Balotelli should take penalties for Liverpool when captain Steven Gerrard is absent and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers should clear this issue up now to make sure we don't get another scenario that sees players squabbling on the pitch over who takes a penalty.

"Rodgers needs to let everyone know that if a penalty comes Liverpool's way and Mario is on the pitch, he takes it. If that dents Henderson's confidence then so be it, because this should be a football decision and not one made on trying to protect someone's feelings."