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McCarthy happy with Rovers job change
Blackburn Rovers, 11:02, January 22, 2009 ,
Benni McCarthy has admitted that he was glad to see the back of Paul Ince as Blackburn boss after he struggled to win him over.
The South African international striker made only four Premier League starts when Ince was in charge at Ewood Park and he did not know why he was not in the plans of the manager. McCarthy also revealed that, with first-team starts being hard to come by, he feared that he would lose his place in the national team ahead of next year's World Cup in his homeland.
"I don't know why I didn't play, I really don't know," he told The Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
"I would love to know but it is part and parcel of football. Some managers just prefer certain players and if you don't fit what a manager likes and the way he wants to play then you don't fit. You just get the boot.
"It was difficult, of course, especially when you get to my age and you are playing for a country that is hosting the World Cup. You want to play and you always want to be in the mix so by the time the World Cup comes, you are ready.
"It was hard, every time I kept going to the national team I am like a really important figure for my country but I don't play for my club.
"People ask questions, is he the right man? Should he play?, Should someone else get the chance? Those type of things go through your head.
"When you do play you are under even more pressure because you are not playing for your club.
"It was hard but I am glad I have got that out of the way and now I just have to keep trying doing what I am doing so I don't lose my place and am ready for any challenge that comes."