Jordan Henderson hopes Mario Balotelli can provide 'big lift' for Liverpool following defeat to Manchester City

The Italy international completed his £16m switch to Anfield yesterday

New Liverpool signing Mario Balotelli sits with Adam Lallana during the 3-1 defeat at Manchester CIty (Getty Images)

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson hopes the signing of Mario Balotelli quickly lifts the squad after their loss at Manchester City.

New arrival Balotelli watched from the stands as the Reds were beaten 3-1 by his former club at the Etihad Stadium in the Barclays Premier League on Monday night.

The controversial Italy striker had completed his £16million move to the Anfield club from AC Milan earlier in the day.

The 24-year-old will now train with the Reds this week with a view to a potential debut against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Henderson said: "I think everybody is looking forward to working with him.

"He is a very talented player and a very big player coming into the club. Hopefully he can give us a big lift and play some part in the next game.

"He was in the dressing room wishing everyone luck. It was good to see him. Hopefully he can get a good week's training under his belt and be ready for Sunday."

Henderson in action against Manchester City last night (GETTY IMAGES)

Balotelli has been brought in to replace the departed Luis Suarez, whose absence was felt as last season's runners-up were ultimately well beaten by the champions.

Liverpool started well and had the better of the first half until defensive errors allowed Stevan Jovetic to smash home City's opening goal after 41 minutes.

City then took complete control after the break with Jovetic adding a fine second and Sergio Aguero coming off the bench for a superb third.

Substitute Rickie Lambert forced in an 83rd-minute consolation off Pablo Zabaleta, but City had firmly underlined their superiority.

The Reds will quickly hope to put the game behind them and look forward.

Henderson, 24, said: "Before they scored I felt we were in control of the game, especially dominating possession of the ball, so going in 1-0 at half-time was hard to take.

"Unfortunately they scored a couple more - it deflated us, but we kept going, kept fighting. You saw that with Rickie's goal, and then he had another chance. It could have been a different story.

"We will keep going. We had chances. We are always going to create chances with the players we have got.

"We have just got to work in training on the things we need to work on and look forward to the next game."

Liverpool were due to assess injuries to full-backs Glen Johnson and Alberto Moreno.

The Reds finished the game with 10 men after Johnson limped off close to the end, with all three substitutions having already been made.

Moreno, who was making his debut and was at fault for Jovetic's first goal, fell awkwardly on his ankle late on but completed the match.