There was no cake, but plenty of congratulations knocking around Carrington as Mario Balotelli turned 21 years-old on Friday.

The birthday boy was given a hug by kit manager Les Chapman on his way to the boot room where Chappy promised the young Italian a glass hammer, some tartan paint, a left-handed screwdriver and a long weight to celebrate his big day with.

Mario then set off for the canteen where he enjoyed his usual - bacon and cheese on toast - plus a yoghurt and juice before the morning session began.

Returning to training was Mario's buddy Kolo Toure who sang him a quick birthday serenade before tugging Mario's hair 21 times in celebration.

Great to see Kolo back at Carrington and his September playing return will be like having a new signing for boss Roberto Mancini. Welcome back, Kolo and we're sure you'll get the hang of the running machines again before long.

Back out on the training pitch best pals David Silva and Shaun Wright-Phillips buddy up for a training exercise - though both have spotted Mario's birthday cake arriving via special delivery...

In fact, it's so big, Aleksandar Kolarov has borrowed a golf buggy to bring it out on to the pitch. The cake, as you can see, has been modelled on a MCFC medical bag - very realistic!

News of the cake spread quickly and it was enough to entice the Three Amigos - Messrs Zabaleta, Tevez and Aguero out from the gym early. "Who is bringing the pop and crisps?" asks Sergio. In the background, the truth is revealed at last - those photographers weren't really nine-foot ex-basketball players - they were using ladders all along... ah well.