BLACKBURN are ready to sell striker Benni McCarthy in January - but will not let him go on loan. (The Sun)The South African, 31, wants regular first-team action to force his way into the reckoning for the World Cup hosts.

BLACKBURN are ready to sell striker Benni McCarthy in January - but will not let him go on loan. (The Sun)

The South African, 31, wants regular first-team action to force his way into the reckoning for the World Cup hosts.

Portsmouth boss Paul Hart is interested but Rovers would not consider selling him to a relegation rival. That means a switch abroad is the most likely option.

Sam Allardyce would allow that only if they receive a suitable fee for McCarthy and can bring in a replacement.

McCarthy has hit 50 goals for the club and was top scorer last season but boss Allardyce does not see him as a target man.

He has been using in-form David Dunn as a second striker instead. Big Sam said: "Benni isn't a lead-the-line man, so Dunny has taken his place."