Ince says there is more to come from McCarthy

Rich Jones
Wednesday 29 October 2008 01:00 GMT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince has been frustrated by Benni McCarthy's fitness problems but believes the striker will soon have Rovers' Premier League rivals running scared.

The South Africa frontman has been limited to a handful of substitute appearances this season after returning from the summer break in below-par physical condition. McCarthy's self-inflicted problems have been difficult for Ince to take, given the 30-year-old plundered 35 goals for the Lancashire club during his first two years in England. However, an injury-time equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough suggested the former Porto frontman may at last be getting to grips with life under Ince.

"Even though we played well against Boro, we created lots of chances but weren't clinical enough – the game should have been dead and buried by half time," Ince said.

"Benni's been fantastic for the last two weeks. He's been away with South Africa, played a couple of games and scored a couple of goals, he came on against Boro and got a goal. We haven't got the financial clout that most clubs have got. He's a goalscorer and they can cost millions. Benni, when he gets back to his best, is a very important figure in our team."

Ince insists he was left with no choice but to marginalise McCarthy over the opening weeks of the season. "He's a professional footballer and you [have to] come back ready to train. He wasn't ready to train, but he's back, he's smiling and happy, and we need Benni McCarthy if we're going to move forward with this club."

Tonight Blackburn have a tough League game against Aston Villa who mauled Wigan 4-0 on Sunday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in