Benni wants to leave Blackburn

Benedict McCarthy, also known as Benni, wants to quit Blackburn Rovers. The striker has fallen out of favour with boss Sam Allardyce and wants to leave the club in January. “In my opinion I’m better than we have at Rovers, but unfortunately the manager prefers a different style of player.”

McCarthy joined the Rovers in 2006 from FC Porto and was a regular starter during his first season at Goodison Park. He received less playing time in his second and third year and this year he has not started a match for Blackburn since the opening day of the season.

“I am not the type of player the manager wants and that is why I am not playing,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy declared his delight at being linked with a move to Premiership strugglers Portsmouth. “Portsmouth are going through a bad patch but are still a top side,” the South African international said.

“I have discussed them with (South Africa captain) Aaron Mokoena and at this stage it is still a rumour.

“There are other clubs in England and Europe that have shown interest in me.”

McCarthy, who is South Africa’s all-time top-scorer with 31 goals from nearly 80 internationals, is currently preparing for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Jamaica.