Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has paid the price for opting out of recent friendlies by missing out on a squad place for South Africa’s Confederations Cup campaign.

 

The 31-year old has played 75 times for his country and has hit the net 31 times. However, after a serious of incidents in his international career, McCarthy thinks the end of the road may have arrived. "To be honest, with all the problems I have had with the national team in recent years, I think my career is over in the selection," McCarthy said, "I am not disappointed. If they think it is best for team, all right. It is a young team and it is a good chance for them to gain confidence. I wish them luck."

Defender Andre Ooijer has been fined after returning late from an authorised break. Sam Allardyce dropped the Dutch star for the Portsmouth game and with the 34-year old out of contract at the end of the season, a likely return to Holland may mean that he has played his last game for the Ewood Park club.