South African football star can go, says Blackburn boss

South African footballer Benn McCarthy will be allowed to leave English club Blackburn Rovers this month but only if an acceptable offer is received, the South African Press Association reported on Tuesday.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce insisted McCarthy could still rekindle his career at Blackburn, who signed him from FC Porto in 2006.

McCarthy, 32, has grown disillusioned with his lack of first-team starts under Allardyce and is agitating for a move to ensure regular football in the run-up to the World Cup finals in his home country in June and July.

The striker is reportedly a target for Scottish giants Celtic and has also been linked with a move to Portsmouth.

But Allardyce told reporters: "Me and Benni know why he has not played as much which is personal, private and confidential to us.

"But I really think it lies in his hands if he wants to play more at Blackburn, not mine. So, if he puts that right he can playa major part here and get to a Cup final."

McCarthy said last week that he hoped Blackburn would not ask for an "unreasonable" fee for him and thereby prevent him from being in prime condition going into the World Cup.

Source: Xinhua