Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Hughes hails McCarthy impact

25 Apr 2007 - 14:32:18

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Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has hailed the efforts of striker Benni McCarthy since his arrival from FC Porto at the start of the season.

The 29-year-old South African ace has netted 21 goals in 46 appearances for Rovers, proving to be one of the best bargain buys of the campaign at a mere £2.5million.

Hughes told the Evening Telegraph: "Benni's come into the Premier League and he's made an instant impact.

"Initially, it was quite difficult for him because it was a completely different type of football to what he was used to. He also came into a club where he had to work harder, because that's what I demand.

"So he's had to adapt but, in fairness to him, while he's been adapting he's been scoring goals along the way. A return of 21 goals in his first season in the Premier League is outstanding.

"It's difficult for players to come from different countries and different leagues and have an impact in the Premier League.

"I actually think it's doubly difficult for strikers to do it, because the way the game is played in Europe is different to how it's played here, so for strikers it's a massive learning curve."