04.01.2010
McCarthy can leave if right offer comes: Allardyce
Sam Allardyce has signalled that he will allow Benni McCarthy, seen here in 2009, to leave Blackburn this month but only if he receives an acceptable offer for the unsettled South African striker.
McCarthy, 32, has grown disillusioned with his lack of first-team starts under Allardyce and is agitating for a move to ensure regular football in the run-up to the World Cup finals in his home country in June and July.
The striker is reportedly a target for Scottish giants Celtic and has also been linked with a move to Portsmouth.
But Allardyce insisted McCarthy could still rekindle his career at Blackburn, who signed him from FC Porto for 2.5 million pounds in 2006.
"Me and Benni know why he has not played as much which is personal, private and confidential to us," Allardyce told reporters on Monday, ahead of Blackburn's League Cup semi-final first leg against Aston Villa.
"But I really think it lies in his hands if he wants to play more at Blackburn, not mine. So, if he puts that right he can play a major part here and get to a Cup final."
McCarthy said last week that he hoped Blackburn would not ask for an "unreasonable" fee for him and thereby prevent him from being in prime condition going into the World Cup.
McCarthy said: "This is a very big year for me. To come from South Africa and have the chance to play for my country in the World Cup is massive.
"I can't risk that by playing the odd game here and there for Blackburn. I need to play and I hope they will allow me to fulfil that dream."
Allardyce admitted a deal could happen if it suited Blackburn's interests but said that, to date, there had been no concrete interest in McCarthy from other clubs.
"He has been frustrated by the lack of times he's played so he wants to leave but we've had no offers for him at the moment," the Blackburn boss said.
"Like every player that wants to leave, as long as it is right for the football club first and then it suits them, then that's okay. That's business, that's how it happens in this industry now."
Source: © 2010 AFP - Paul Ellis
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England / Premier League 2009-10 .jpg)
