Tuesday Mar 04 2008 08:29
Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy remains committed to the club and still believes Mark Hughes' side can clinch a place in the top four this season and secure a place in next term's Champions League.
The South Africa international enjoyed a stunning first season at Ewood Park but has struggled at times in his second year with the club, although he did score twice in the recent 4-1 victory against Bolton Wanderers.
That win and Saturday's last-gasp success at Newcastle United lifted Rovers up to seventh in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Everton with ten games of the season left.
"I'm enjoying my football here," McCarthy told Sky Sports News.
"The rumours have all gone now and I can just relax and concentrate on playing football.
"The club has been in talks with my agent but for the moment there is far more important things to worry about, such as getting Blackburn into the UEFA Cup or Champions League.
"The club know that before I hang up my boots from playing football I want to play in the Champions League again.
"The fact they are thinking Champions League football can be played here in the next few years will do for me and I can pledge my future here.
"A lot of players in the squad don't know what it is like to play in the Champions League but it is an amazing experience, and that is what I want the whole team to be feeling.
"People say these days that footballers are very glamorous but the Champions League is the type of glamour that you want."
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