Benni McCarthy has revealed his delight at signing for Mark Hughes's Blackburn.
Blackburn's new signing Benni McCarthy has revealed his delight at having the opportunity to play under one of his childhood heroes at Ewood Park.
Growing up in his native Cape Town in South Africa, McCarthy followed the fortunes of Blackburn manager Mark Hughes, during the former striker's playing career at Manchester United.
Now, having finally realised his long held dream of a move to The Premiership, McCarthy hopes to make the most of the opportunity granted him at Rovers, following his £2.5 million switch from Porto last week.
"I was a Man United supporter when I was a boy, so I know the history. I followed him [Hughes] because he played for the team I supported as a kid but now things have changed," McCarthy told Sky Sports News.
"I was a United supporter as a boy but now my heart's at Blackburn because I'm a Blackburn player and he's the manager, so I hope to do my the best."
The 28-year-old, a perennial transfer target for the likes of Everton, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and West Ham, admits he had become frustrated by Porto's attempts to block moves to England in the past.
"On the one hand it was frustrating. If it was just a rumour then it would have been okay but it was more than just a rumour, as clubs were actually really interested," he added.
"At Porto it was always very difficult to get away from them, and they were always messing about with the team so progress was never really happening, so that was why I had to stay.
"But I was also at a good club playing Champions League football and Porto's a great club to play for, but, when you want to fulfil your dreams of playing in the Premier League, it was actually very frustrating not being allowed to go."
Meanwhile, McCarthy's new team-mate Jay McEveley has switched his international allegiance.
The defender, who has returned to Ewood following a loan spell at Ipswich last season, has been called up to the Scotland Under-21 squad, despite having already represented England at the same level.
The 21-year-old qualifies for the Scots through the Liverpudlian's Dumfries-born grandfather.
Scotland face Slovenia in a Under-21 European Championship qualifier on August 16.
