Blackburn’s Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz , the subject of a prolonged transfer bid from Manchester City, has gone on record to state his happiness at still being a Rovers player.

 

Former boss Mark Hughes saw several offers for the 27 year-old rejected and ultimately failed to bring the man he originally signed in 2007 to Eastlands. Despite previous quotes attributed to Santa Cruz linking him with a desire to ‘play for a bigger club’ he insisted that he is still glad to be part of Sam Allardyce’s squad.

"Of course I'm happy. Blackburn has given to me a family and a big chance to keep playing football," he said. "I am very thankful to the club and I am enjoying every single moment."

Meanwhile Blackburn’s FA Cup hero Benni McCarthy revealed that his 118^th minute winner was as a big a relief for him as it was for everyone else in blue and white that night. Having recently missed a penalty against north west neighbours Bolton, the South African confessed to be terrified at having to face an in-form Craig Gordon from twelve yards. “I was crapping myself” he said.