Bentley: Rovers under-rated

David Bentley has hit out at the perception that Blackburn Rovers are a small club.

Rovers landed star striker Benni McCarthy last summer, although it was felt the South African ace was only using the move to showcase his skills before moving on.

However, Bentley believes Rovers are under-rated and that they have enjoyed more success over recent seasons than people give them credit for under Mark Hughes' stewardship.

"We've been one of the most successful sides over the last few years; semi-final of the Carling Cup last year, FA Cup semi-final this year, Europe," he said in the Daily Telegraph.

"The club has that thing about it that everyone feels it is a stepping-stone.

"Benni has come over 'to get used to the England way and it's a stepping-stone to go somewhere'. I've come here to 'play for a bit and it's a stepping-stone to go somewhere'.

"But we're playing for each other, and playing for a good manager. We've done really well.

"People just don't blow it up in big lights like they do with other teams."