McCarthy shows Euro value to Rovers

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

LONDON (AFP) — South African striker Benni McCarthy illustrated why he was targetted by Chelsea with one of the goals in Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 Intertoto Cup win over FK Vetra of Lithuania on Sunday.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tried to lure McCarthy to Stamford Bridge last month but Rovers' coach Mark Hughes refused to sell.

His decision was justified when the 29-year-old South African, who scored 18 times last season, hit the opener after half an hour in Vilnius following a cross from Mort Gamst Pedersen.

Matt Derbyshire then sealed the victory on 80 minutes when he drilled in a 25-yard effort past Vaidas Zutautas in the Vetra goal to give Rovers a cushion ahead of the second leg of the third round tie at Ewood Park next Saturday.

Hughes was...