Nigel de Jong says Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli is now working for the team.

With Carlos Tevez now an apparent outcast as disciplinary proceedings continue, midfielder De Jong believes Balotelli is beginning to realise his responsibilities as a City player.

The Dutchman told City TV: "I think he is getting it now, why we always try to teach him a lesson. He is getting it slowly but surely.

"You have to give him credit for the last couple of weeks, not just on the pitch but in the training sessions.

"He is behaving quite normal for him. Everyone is happy to be with him.

"Nobody ever doubted his qualities but with great qualities you need to have big responsibilities as well - not only on the pitch but outside as well.

"I think he showed that to the group and Manchester City as well in the last couple of weeks."