Instead of preparing for the African Nations Cup, McCarthy is getting set to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

His omission from the South African party - he scored 24 goals in all competitions for Rovers last season - has surprised many including national team captain Mokoena.

The Blackburn midfielder said: "Benni is one of the toughest strikers in the country."

That view is shared by Panathinaikos defender Nasief Morris, who added: "We need players like Benni."

While McCarthy and co were on the end of a 4-1 defeat by Coca-Cola Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup last weekend, the former Porto striker ended a barren spell by getting the winner against Sunderland in their last league outing.

He is set to team up in attack again with Roque Santa Cruz, who was rested last weekend with Blackburn chasing a third successive league victory.

However, manager Mark Hughes could be down on numbers for the derby match, especially in midfield.

Mokoena is on international duty, Robbie Savage has joined Derby while Tugay could be sidelined with a hamstring strain.

In addition defender Brett Emerton came off with a hamstring problem against Coventry.

Meanwhile promising goalkeeper Frank Fielding has signed a new two-year deal at Ewood Park.

Fielding, 19, will continue his education at Wycombe by re-joining the League Two club until the end of the season.

He has already made 16 appearances for Paul Lambert's side and is expected to face Rochdale tomorrow.