Benni puts WC dream on hold

BENNI McCarthy admits he must recapture his status as one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards before he can start dreaming of World Cup success with South Africa.

With less than a year until South Africa stage the sport’s showcase event, McCarthy insists his focus is on emulating the kind of form that saw him take English football by storm three years ago.If he can achieve that, the 31-year-old is confident of making up for the disappointment of his surprise omission from South Africa’s Confederations Cup campaign to be part of a squad that ensures the hosts do themselves justice in the World Cup.’I must admit the World Cup is not really in my thoughts at the moment,’ McCarthy revealed as he builds up to his fourth season at Blackburn, who kick off on August 15 against big-spending Manchester City. After being frozen out by previous manager Paul Ince 12 months ago, the Cape Town-born forward has looked sharp in pre-season as he bids to cement a regular starting role under Sam Allardyce.McCarthy’s cause has been helped by Blackburn being priced out of finding a replacement for striker Roque Santa Cruz, who joined City during the off-season.It leaves Allardyce short of attacking options, and McCarthy, South Africa’s 31-goal all-time top scorer, added: ‘Physically I’m feeling much better and pre-season’s been going well. I feel sharp and once I’ve got that side of the game sorted the goals will come. – Supersoccer