Benni's Summer Of Woe

Blackburn star Benni McCarthy has admitted speculation over his future in the summer affected his form.

McCarthy was linked with a possible move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window as Jose Mourinho wanted to be reunited with the former Porto player at Stamford Bridge and West Ham reportedly lodged a bid for his services as well.

The South African striker admits the speculation distracted him and it affected his form at the start of the season at Ewood Park.

McCarthy was dropped by Rovers boss Mark Hughes earlier in the season for some indifferent performances, but the 29-year-old has put the transfer rumours behind him to regain his best form, having scored five goals in his last four games.

'It surprised me that it messed my head up that much,' McCarthy told The Sun of the transfer speculation

'You set goals for yourself, you achieve them, and then all of a sudden things are happening. I was thinking, 'I'm 29 and the opportunity is coming'.

'Then you just get your head into it and think 'I am going to fight for it because maybe it is a last opportunity'.

'Not many players at my age get the chance to go to a massive club in the Premier League and having that in my head probably got me down when it didn't happen for me.

'I was surprised I could be brought down by it but I'm glad I brought myself back.

'I'm putting in winning performances for the team and the crowd can see that after everything that has happened I can still play with my heart and soul for the club.'

Blackburn face Liverpool on Saturday having won their last seven games in all competitions and McCarthy believes there is no reason why they cannot break into the top four this term.

'If we keep on putting in winning performances with the attitude and spirit we have it is possible we could break into the top four,' added McCarthy.

Mikey Thoughts

Fair play to Benni for coming out and speaking, we all doubted him during the summer and suspected he wanted out. But he has proved the critics wrong after a poor start.

Hopefully the form he is showing now will last as him and Roque are on fire at the moment.

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