BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is confident striker Benni McCarthy can get back on the goal trail.

But he hinted the South African, who hasn't scored since the end of October, a total of eight games, may have to settle for a place on the bench for the second successive game.

He said: "Benni's had a period where he hasn't scored goals and obviously there's a confidence thing there as well.

"Roque has come through it and I'm sure Benni will as well.

"But I have to go with the players who are showing confidence and who have an ability to affect games.

"Benni's finding it a bit difficult in that respect."

And McCarthy may not be the only player to find himself out of the starting line-up as Hughes vows to ring the changes ahead of Chelsea's visit to Ewood Park on Sunday.

Hughes said: "There are other players in the team who are also struggling for form, which is a concern.

"At the weekend, I'll have to freshen things up. Players have put in fantastic effort in the last few days and it's important that I use the squad because we've got another big game."