Source: Telegraph
Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy told to watch the pounds
McCarthy, 31, is desperate to be part of the South Africa squad when they host the tournament next summer.[LNB]However, if he is not playing regular football for Blackburn he will not be selected for his country.[LNB]McCarthy's biggest problem is age, and with it the tendancy to lose fitness quickly.[LNB]The former Porto forward has struggled with his weight and, despite scoring six goals in nine games for Rovers since Sam Allardyve took over, his new manager is still concerned the player's fitness levels aren't where they should be.[LNB]Allardyce said: "Benni is sometimes his own worst enemy. A very talented player but not quite at the fitness levels he could be at.[LNB]"Get that right and he plays more and more. Benni's been up and down too much. He was on a massive up, then he's been on a massive down for too long.[LNB]"At his age he has to be spot on, as fit as he can be. If he wants to produce his best that is the key element to having a career for as long as he wants.[LNB]"When I took Youri Djorkaeff on he was in his late 30s but was capable of playing right away.[LNB]"He went straight in and scored goals because of how fit he was.[LNB]"The physical attributes you need in this league and demanding. Without the physical attributes you can't produce your skills and talents as often as you'd like."[LNB]
