BENNI McCarthy insists he's “still got it” as he pleads for the opportunity to get his Premier League career back on track.

Rovers’ South African international has become somewhat of a fallen hero, without a club goal from open play for 12 months, but remains confident his lean spell will soon be over.

McCarthy made only his fourth appearance of the campaign, and first since the Arsenal defeat a month ago, as a substitute in Saturday’s bruising goalless draw at Bolton.

His 12-minute cameo was a sign all his groin problems are behind him with McCarthy now desperate to repeat his prolific international exploits at domestic level – and find the form that saw him hit 24 goals in 2006/07.

His dash back from Manchester airport on Saturday morning demonstrated his desire to be an Ewood success again but he admits he is facing one of his toughest challenges since arriving in England just to get a game.

He said: “Robbie (Fowler) was fantastic today, his running and his touches. He looked confident. But he’s making it even more difficult for me.

“There’s Roque (Santa Cruz), Jason (Roberts), Derbs (Derbyshire), now Robbie also.

“Flipping heck, it’s like a never-ending story for me but it’s good for the manager. With so many wanting the chance, it makes it almost impossible to pick a team.

“I'm just taking my time, and any opportunity that springs my way I’ll try to take full advantage. At least I get some games when I go back to the national team!

“I know I’ve still got the knack, it’s being given the opportunity. When you don’t play, then you doubt yourself.”

McCarthy’s last goal from open play came in Rovers’ 2-1 win at Portsmouth more than 12 months ago, with only three penalties to his name since.

His goals haven’t dried up for his country though, his latest coming in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Ghana in midweek, and he believes his next Rovers strike could set him on the goal trail again.

“It’s been annoying with the injuries. You think, oh, maybe now I’m going to get my chance then there’s a niggle or an injury. It goes from an irritation to two weeks out then four weeks, then it’s an international break.

“My best chance in the game was the one-two with Matt Derbyshire.

"But for every striker it’s good to get a game, even if only for a few minutes.

“The most important thing is just getting off the mark.

"Once that first one goes in then the confidence comes back.

"It definitely will. My form is good in the national team.”