Big Sam hails McCarthy

lackburn manager Sam Allardyce paid tribute to Benni McCarthy following Wednesday's FA Cup victory over Sunderland. Rovers booked their place in the fifth round with a 2-1 win after extra time, McCarthy scoring the decisive goal in the 118th minute of the replay.Allardyce believes McCarthy is finding his form again because he is getting a run of games."Benni has started a few games and got a few goals in the process. He had been frustrated at his lack of starts," said Allardyce."But it is difficult with three quality front men. I am really pleased about the creativity in the team but a little bit disappointed we are not scoring more. Hopefully that will turn in our favour very shortly."Allardyce was pleased with the display against Sunderland as Blackburn extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.He said: "It was a good performance with the right result at the end. Perhaps it will give us the impetus we need in the league."Mind you I wondered whether we would score one never mind two. We kept peppering their goal but Craig Gordon made some unbelievable saves."We made a lot of changes to give some players a rest so we have not done too bad. However there are a lot of tired minds and tired legs in the dressing room."DisappointedSunderland had taken the lead through David Healy before Aaron Mokoena drew Blackburn level at 1-1.Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia was disappointed his men could not build on their bright start.Sbragia said: "We have not seen the game out again and that is a concern for me as we got off to a good start."Craig made a number of good saves and kept us in the game but we conceded a soft goal and got a bit sloppy."We then give away a free-kick, switch off and it resulted in us losing the tie."

Source: SKY_Sports