Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli insists he is working harder to become more of a threat in the penalty area but would prefer a partner to play off up front.

The Italy international may get his wish for greater support, with Daniel Sturridge set to return from a thigh injury against QPR this weekend after missing the last seven matches.

In his absence Balotelli has toiled alone up front with just one goal – against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets – to show for his efforts since a £16 million summer move from Milan.

The 24-year-old has often frustrated fans with some of his performances and he accepts he is still learning how manager Brendan Rodgers wants him to play.

But he is focusing on breaking his Premier League duck and knows he can only do that by getting into the right areas.

I swear right now my first league goal is my first and only objective

“I can see already that the Liverpool fans really like me, although I know that maybe they are a little upset because I don’t score,” he told Sport magazine.

“I see they appreciate that I am working hard, though, which is nice for me.

“I know I have one goal in the Champions League but in the Premier League I have to start with one.

“After that I might set myself a target but I swear right now my first league goal is my first and only objective.

“I need to get in the box more. I don’t do it enough but it is something I am working to try to do more.

“I have never been a real, out-and-out striker – I have always been someone who goes around the pitch.

“If it was my choice, I would always go with two strikers.

“It’s the way I like to play, but Brendan asked me to play as the first striker.

“I understand that when the ball comes from wide on the left or right I need to be in the box otherwise there might be no-one there at all.”

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