Mancini wants Balotelli to step up

ROBERTO Mancini has called on Mario Balotelli to become a Manchester City hero this weekend.

It seems highly unlikely skipper Carlos Tevez will have recovered from a hamstring injury in time to face old club Manchester United in the FA Cup semi–final at Wembley on Saturday.

That would leave Mancini to come up with a striking solution.

With his club standing on the brink of their first cup final appearance since 1981 and desperate to end a 35–year silverware drought, Mancini feels it is time the frontman made his mark.

“We have six league games, plus the semi–final and the final. I hope Mario can score important goals.

“He could be the hero. On Saturday, if he plays, he has a chance to do well.”