Joleon Lescott has leapt to the defence of former teammate Mario Balotelli who is the source of constant criticism from the British press.

The Italian striker has struggled in his first season at Liverpool following his £16million from AC Milan last summer with some suggesting he could be offloaded by the Reds at the end of the season.

Balotelli has been slated for his off-field antics, which include social media gaffes, as well as his inability to produce on the pitch this term but defender Lescott - who played with Balotelli at Manchester City - has revealed that the 24-year old really is a great person.

"He's a good guy to be around," the West Bromwich Albion centre-half told The Express. "Obviously there are times when he has let himself down but that's part and parcel of growing up.

"He was 20-21 when I was there. Being away from home is hard at that age. My mum would not let me move away from home, especially to another country, at that age.

"Fair play to him, people have criticised him but how many English players have moved away from home at the age 20?

"No one has, we don't do that and can't judge a player who has learned a different language and culture if none of our players wanted to do that.

"He's a great talent and is right up there with the top players. It has not gone the way he wanted to at Liverpool.

"Society is different now. They have not been brought up the same way as the older generation have and there is a lot more scrutiny through the media and social media."