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Benni hints at blackburn exit

Lance Davids, Benni McCarthy and Daine Klate during training at Rand Stadium preparation for the upcoming international friendly against Japan in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Pic: Veli Nhlapo. 09/11/2009. © Sowetan.
Lance Davids, Benni McCarthy and Daine Klate during training at Rand Stadium preparation for the upcoming international friendly against Japan in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Pic: Veli Nhlapo. 09/11/2009. © Sowetan.

UNSETTLED Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has hinted at the possibility of leaving the English Premiership club during the January transfer window after several top clubs approached him.

UNSETTLED Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has hinted at the possibility of leaving the English Premiership club during the January transfer window after several top clubs approached him.

McCarthy said he wanted to play regularly at club level so he can be part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2010 World Cup.

"Yes, there are a few clubs in England and other parts of Europe who want me to play for them. They are real good clubs in the world. I was surprised by the interest from those clubs because I have not been playing regularly at Blackburn," said McCarthy who looked relaxed at the media briefing in Johannesburg yesterday.

McCarthy refused to name the clubs that are courting him, but English Premiership strugglers Portsmouth are believed to be leading the race to secure his signature.

"In my opinion, I am better than what we have at Blackburn, but unfortunately the manager (Sam Allardyce) prefers a different type of player," he added.

"I am not the type of player he wants and that is why I'm not playing. I don't really want to leave, I want to play because I'm not getting any younger."

McCarthy pointed out that he had no hard feelings towards Allardyce, adding that it was an honour to be linked with a move to Pompey.

"I have read in the media about Portsmouth, we also spoke about it with Aaron (Mokoena, the Bafana captain who plays for Portsmouth), at this stage it's still a rumour.

"At Blackburn it's still great except for the fact that one is not playing regularly. But the supporters have been great. They adore me, which I appreciate a lot."

Besides McCarthy, the other Bafana member doing duty for Rovers is Elrio van Heerden. He is also in the country for Saturday's international friendly against Japan in Port Elizabeth. Bafana also have a friendly against Jamaica in Bloemfontein on November 17.

Bafana arrived in the Friendly City last night, a few hours after Japan landed.

Putco Mafani, Nelson Mandela Municipality's 2010 World Cup office spokesperson, said they will use the game to showcase their readiness for next year's big soccer event.

Bafana will start their preparations in Port Elizabeth at the Nelson Mandela University of Technology Stadium today.

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