MARK Hughes today told Blackburn fans they can expect to see a different Robbie Savage when the new season kicks off.

Savage has failed to live up to supporters' expectations since he joined Rovers in a controversial

£3 million deal from Birmingham City in the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old midfielder made just 13 appearances in the Rovers first team last season as he struggled for both form and fitness.

However, Hughes still has great faith in the former Welsh international and he believes he's ready to prove his critics wrong now that he's made a full recovery from the groin injury that dogged him for much of the last campaign.

"I'm convinced our fans will see a different Robbie Savage this season," said the Rovers boss.

"No-one was more frustrated than Sav when he first came here because he's a high energy player who he wants to make an impact in every game that he plays in, but he wasn't in a position to do that because of his injury problems.

"It dragged on and there was lots of different opinions about it. Some said he was okay and others said he should just try to walk with it.

"But in the end, because of the type of player Sav is, it wasn't possible to nurse him through games as we did with Paul Dickov.

"He's since had an operation, though, so it's now been sorted and I've no doubt we'll see a different player when the season starts."

Hughes broke the bank to bring Savage to the club and he sees the former Birmingham star as a crucial part of his plans for the future because of his ability to motivate those around him.

"It was interesting to see his former manager (Steve Bruce) talking about him recently and admitting that Birmingham never really replaced him," said Hughes.

"Sav has that ability to change the tempo and momentum of a game. He can sense when a game needs to be brought to life and he reacts to crowds, not in a bad way but in terms of sensing their anxiety or excitement.

"He taps into that and drags others along with him - both players and fans alike.

"He hasn't been able to do that since he's been here because of his injury, but I'm convinced we'll start to see him do that next season."

Meanwhile, South African international Benni McCarthy wants his future sorted out one way or the other this week.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has already had two bids rejected by Porto for the 27-year-old striker and with the Portuguese club showing few signs of buckling, the chances of McCarthy sealing a move to the Premiership are now beginning to look increasingly remote.

"If there are no developments this week in relation to his transfer to Blackburn, that window of opportunity will permanently close," warned his agent Rob Moore.

"If he is not transferred this summer, he will carry out until the end the two years which he has left on his contract with FC Porto."