Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says it's time for Mario Balotelli to prove his worth.

The controversial Italian has scored just twice in 17 games since his £16million move from AC Milan last summer, and is still searching for his first Premier League goal.

"The one thing he has got to do is try to repay some faith that Brendan (Rodgers) showed in him to bring him to Liverpool," Murphy told BBC Sport.

"As of now he has certainly not produced. People keep on telling me what a great player he potentially is, but potential only goes so far. You have to produce performances on the pitch.

"There's probably only one game this season that I've seen him have an influence. The rest of them he's been very poor. With his physicality, pace and aerial ability he should do so much more."