Mario Balotelli makes 1st Liverpool start since November

Welcome back, Mario.

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, stapled to the bench - or even worse, the stands - for much of his nightmare season with the Reds, is getting a reprieve.

The Italian was included in the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against West Brom, taking the pitch from the opening whistle for only the ninth time this season and the first since November.

Balotelli got the start in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, who is still hampered by a hip injury.