Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy believes Rovers can pull off a sensational end to the season by snatching fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

McCarthy, currently negotiating a new deal at Ewood Park despite having more than two years remaining on his present one, is desperate for a return to Champions League football after winning the competition with Porto in 2004.

And he thinks there is still hope of overhauling rivals Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa despite the Toffees currently holding an eight-point advantage.

McCarthy, 30, has struggled to replicate the goalscoring feats of last season which reportedly kindled interest from Chelsea but is determined to make the most of what others might view as mission impossible.

It would appear Blackburn would have to win every one of their final 10 matches, starting with Fulham on Saturday, to make his dream come true.

"There is a fourth place up for grabs - and that is what we want," said McCarthy.

"There is a serious screw loose in our team if we are not looking towards fourth place.

"If we think we can just settle for the UEFA Cup, no way, it doesn't work like that. For me the way of thinking is far ahead and it is very possible.

"We are in good form at the moment and March is a very, very winnable month.

"We've only got Tottenham that is about the same level as us - even though we're still a better side than Tottenham - and Liverpool in a head-on situation. They want that place as much as we do, so it is all to play for."

Although McCarthy struck 18 league goals in his debut 2006-07 season with Rovers, he has not hit the target from open play since October this time around.

Nevertheless, manager Mark Hughes is keen to allow the South African's partnership with Roque Santa Cruz time to develop.

"The club know that before I hang up my boots from playing football I want to play in the Champions League again," McCarthy, speaking at the launch of the club's 2008-09 season ticket price freeze, said.

"The fact that they are thinking Champions League football can be played here in the next few years will do for me and I can pledge my future here.

"A lot of players in the squad don't know what it is like to play in the Champions League: it is an amazing experience, and that is what I want the whole team to be feeling.

"People say these days that footballers are very glamorous but the Champions League is the type of glamour that you want.

"And Blackburn, a team from Lancashire, can be as glamorous as we want to be. We certainly have some good-looking players!"

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