Mokoena keen on McCarthy link-up

There has not been much for McCarthy to shout about at Blackburn lately

Aaron Mokoena would love to see former Blackburn team-mate Benni McCarthy join him at Premier League side Portsmouth.

The South Africa striker has been linked with a January move as he struggles for games at Blackburn.

With the World Cup in his homeland next year, McCarthy will be concerned about his place in the Bafaba Bafana squad.

South Africa's record goal scorer, McCarthy has started just one Premier League game all season.

Portsmouth have been linked with the forward and while Mokoena knows manager Paul Hart has the final say, he feels his fellow countryman could fire the Fratton Park outfit to safety.

I know him as a person too. He's a quality player, especially in the box Aaron Mokoena

He said: "Benni has been there, done it and he has experience.

"It would be good to have him on board but obviously, it's up to the manager.

"He's a fantastic player - he has played in the Champions League and won the Champions League.

"It would be good to have him, but like I said, it's up to the gaffer."

He added: "Obviously, I worked with Benni for years - we've played together in the national team and at Ajax.

"I know him as a person too. He's a quality player, especially in the box. He's a player that can score goals."

The South African skipper admits the Rovers forward is concerned about his World Cup spot after being largely restricted to substitute cameos and is keen to move on in January.

He added: "He has had a tough time lately at Blackburn. I spoke to him personally and he really feels it's about time for him to move on now.

"Hopefully, things will work out for him and his future.

"It's all about playing in the World Cup and to play in the World Cup, you need to be playing for your club."