Manchester City coach David Platt insists there's no exasperation from the staff over the antics of Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli is in line for his 50th appearance for City today against Tottenham.

Platt insisted: "Roberto manages him to try to get the best out of his talent. I've grumbled and groaned as a player. It's not until you actually put a tracksuit on and put a whistle in your mouth that you realise just how much of a git you were.

"That's the nature of the beast in being a footballer. You are heightened into that competitive edge every day. If you are taken off in games, you don't expect to be happy about it."