BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is confident Benni McCarthy will still be a Rover when he brings his side to the Galpharm for a plum pre-season friendly a week tomorrow.

The South African ace enjoyed a hugely successful debut season in England, scoring 19 Premier League goals following his switch from Porto.

He was back on target as Blackburn secured a 2-0 win over FC Vetra in their Intertoto Cup third round first leg tie in Lithuania on Sunday.

Rumours are rife that Jose Mourinho, who had McCarthy in his squad at Porto, is desperate to sign the player for Chelsea.

But Hughes, who hopes to guide Rovers into the UEFA Cup by completing an aggregate win over Vetra at Ewood Park on Saturday, firmly believes he can keep hold of his man.

“The situation is he’s our player, we won’t want to sell him and we’re not going to,” explained Hughes.

“Benni understands that and seems happy. He comes to training with a smile on his face.”