Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

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

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Hughes hails McCarthy magic

01 Mar 2007 - 08:04:16

Click To Enlarge

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes was delighted after seeing his side earn a place in the last eight of the FA Cup with a late winner in their fifth round replay at home to Arsenal.

Benni McCarthy netted a spectacular effort three minutes from the end of normal time at Ewood Park, as Rovers made the most of one of their few chances in the game.

Hughes said: "It is an opportunity for us, a real opportunity. This was the hurdle we had to overcome to give us a chance to really think about going to Wembley.

"It has been difficult up to this point, but now we have got another home tie and we are very much in the mix. We have got to really capitalise on this opportunity we have grasped.

"We've got a pretty good record against Manchester City and we'll be looking forward to that and hoping to do well."

Of matchwinner McCarthy, Hughes added: "It was worthy of winning any game. It was a great strike from a world-class striker.

"Benni brings world-class quality and he's shown that all through the season."