Man City won't miss Mario Balotelli: Johnson

Liverpool star Glen Johnson has said Manchester City will not miss Mario Balotelli, and nor will he.

England star Johnson, 28, faces City today in the first match since Balotelli was flogged to AC Milan.

Johnson said City have got great players who do it a lot more often and score more goals than the 22-year-old Balotelli, reports The Sun.

Balotelli received 22 yellow cards and four reds during his 21/2 years at City.

Johnson also faced Balotelli in England's Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy.

The Anfield defender added Balotelli let his side down a lot with silly red cards. He called Balotelli a great player but added that they didn't see that enough.

He said Balotelli was probably more famous for things he did off the pitch than what he did on it.

Second-placed City are desperate to close the gap on rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. But they may find Liverpool a tough nut to crack at the Etihad.

Brendan Rodgers' side drew 2-2 at Arsenal in midweek after being dumped out of the FA Cup at Oldham and are now determined to get back into the Champions League.