It could be all change on the front line at Blackburn Rovers as Argentinean forward Franco di Santo extends his stay to the end of the season whilst South African international Benni McCarthy looks odds on to have played his last match for the North West club.

 

20 year-old di Santo, who is on loan from Chelsea, joined initially until January but an agreement has been reached for the striker to remain at Ewood Park for the rest of the season. Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will be looking for the striker to build on his single goal in 15 appearances so far and the now-highly likely departure of McCarthy could offer greater opportunities.

McCarthy is very much focussed on securing his berth in South Africa’s World Cup squad for next summer and clearly playing what he sees as a bit-part act in Blackburn’s ranks is not on his agenda. In what has been seen as a verbal and very public transfer request the 32 year-old told the Daily Mail 'Enough's enough, I feel I've been stepped on too much and it's best I go, I'd like to stay in the England. This is a great league.

 
I'm just unhappy with my situation and need to feel wanted again. I'm not getting any younger but I know I can still make an impact. To come from South Africa and have the chance to play for my country in the World Cup is massive. I can't risk that by playing the odd game here and there for Blackburn.’

McCarthy has netted half a century of goals for Blackburn Rovers at a rate of around 1 every 2.5 games.