BENNI McCARTHY
BLACKBURN

Benni McCarthy's long and distinguished career brings him to Blackburn United after spurning a move to Chelsea from former European champions, Porto.

McCarthy made his professional debut with Cape Town side 7 Stars before they merged with another side to become Ajax Cape Town. Always one of the sides top performers, the parent club brought Benni to Amsterdam where he won a domestic title in his first year in Holland.

He was sold to Spanish side Celta Vigo during the summer of 1999 but rarely got off the bench as he never seemed to be in his coach's plans. A transfer to Porto in Portugal saw him re-discover his touch and he played very well, h heping them gain a UEFA Cup spot. AFter going back to Celta where he again found himself on the bench, he was finally tranferred to Porto on a permament basis and was instrumental in Porto's 2004 Champions League title.

Though he continued to play well for both S. Afica and Porto, he clamored for a move to England and finally got it before the 2006-07 season.

One of Africa's longtime top players, Benni has World Cup experience in both 1998 and 2002 as well as the African Cup of Nations.

PHOTOS

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Benni McCarthy unleashes a shot for Blackburn (getty)

Benni in action at the 2002 World Cup (Reuters)

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