Image source, The Sun

I hope Ed Sheeran was worth it Mark? The Sun, external is reporting Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been dropped from this weekend's matches partly because he broke regulations by travelling alone to West Bromwich Albion's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday so he could make it back to Newcastle in time to attend a Sheeran concert.

The Balotelli bandwagon many appear to be jumping on today got us thinking about footballers who have managed to turn opinions around.

Can you think of a player, or manager, who has gone from zero to hero - or vice versa - at your club? What about in other sports? Send your suggestions to #zerostoheroes or post on BBC Sport Facebook,, external

"Finally"!

Mario Balotelli's celebratory tweet, external probably echoed the mood of Liverpool fans from around the globe following his League Cup intervention against Swansea at Anfield last night.

The Italian has struggled for goals, been panned in the media and faced criticism from his manager and supporters but was the toast of Merseyside as he came off the bench to help Liverpool stage an late comeback.

Could this be the moment Mario's fortunes change at Anfield? You would think so glancing at today's back pages but, as we are all too well aware, things can change very quickly.

Image source, AS

In Spain, AS aren't keeping anyone guessing about their Ballon D'Or favourite. Their headline reads 'Cristiano and 22 others' - a reference to the 23-man shortlist for the award for the world's best footballer.

While it's Gareth Bale's inclusion that dominates most British newspapers, the Welshman merits just a tiny picture on the front page of the Spanish sports daily, in between Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema.

Image source, L'Equipe

Over on the continent, French sports daily L'Equipe pulls no punches with its front page this morning. 'Let him work!' the headline screams, in reference to Zinedine Zidane, who has been suspended from coaching duties at Real Madrid for working without the correct qualifications.

Real are fighting the decision on the basis that Zidane had received an authorisation from the French Football Federation.

Image source, Daily Express

Don't be fooled into thinking it is all sweetness and light with Mario though - when is it ever?

The Daily Express, external reports Balotelli had an argument with his team-mates before last night's win over Swansea and then highlights his altercation with Jonjo Shelvey post match.

While the Daily Mirror, external links Napoli boss Rafa Benitez with a move for the striker in January.

Just face it Mario, you are never going to lead a quiet life.

Image source, Daily Mirror

Image source, The Sun

Why always him?

Just a few days ago, Mario Balotelli was public enemy number one at Liverpool. Now he is the hero.

Today's newspaper back pages are unsurprisingly full of his contribution from the substitutes bench after he came off the substitutes bench to fire the Reds in the League Cup quarter-final.

How long his salvation lasts remains to be seen. But, for today at least, it looks as though he is 'Super Mario'.

Image source, The Guardian

First though, why not take a glance at some of the stories making the back pages of today's newspapers? It won't surprise you to see a certain Mario Balotelli stealing a lot of the headlines.....

Good morning and welcome to another edition of Sportsday Live.

We will have plenty of League Cup action for you with the build up to tonight's three fourth-round matches after last night's games, plus all the other news making the headlines in the 'beautiful game'.

You will also be kept abreast of the breaking news elsewhere in the world of sport, including Andy Murray in action in the Paris Masters, and the best of today's social media.

Sit back, put the kettle on and enjoy.

Image source, PA

Last-minute drama, unlikely heroes, cup upsets and goals galore.

Last night's League Cup action certainly delivered and the good news is there is more to come.

Who says the competition has lost its magic?