Finally! Mario Balotelli expresses relief on Twitter after goal for Liverpool

The striker came off the bench to equalised against Swansea before Dejan Lovren scored the winner

Mario Balotelli is congratulated after scoring the equaliser as Liverpool fought back to beat Swansea 2-1 in the Capital One Cup (PA)

Prior to Liverpool's match against Swansea in the Capital One Cup, Mario Balotelli used Instagram to urge people to "Never lose the faith!"

The Italian and his followers could have been forgiven for doing so considering the barren run he has endured following his £16m switch from AC Milan, a run that sees him yet to score in the Premier League for his new team.

When the teams were announced for last night's cup game at Anfield, it appeared Brendan Rodgers may have been losing it too as he opted to start with the Italian on the bench.

Yet Balotelli came on and within moments came good on his Instagram post by turning the match, scoring the equaliser with his second touch of the game before Dejan Lovren scored the winner in injury-time to take Liverpool through to the quarter-finals.

Balotelli was clearly relieved, posting "Finally!" on Twitter.

Despite it being a much needed positive night for the striker following recent criticism, he still managed to cause a little controversy.

He and Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey were involved in an exchange of words both during and after the match, with Balotelli appearing the flick the ear of his opponent.