Rovers manager Sam Allardyce was full of praise for the performance of Benni McCarthy in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic.

The 32-year-old South African put in a superb all round display including grabbing his fourth goal of the season to put Rovers in front.

But although Rovers couldn't hold onto the lead, McCarthy was instrumental in everything that was good about their display and he came desperately close at the end with an overhead kick.

"It was more like a home performance from Benni, we haven't seen many like that on the road," said Allardyce of the South African.

"That is really important because he is very talented link player for us in terms of our ability to get forwards quickly to play into him and get the ball moving into wide areas and getting into the box.

"Benni looked threatening throughout, he took his goal well off a header from Ryan Nelsen."

 

McCarthy came close to grabbing his and Rovers' second as the game drew to a close, but his overhead kick was stopped at point-blank range by Chris Kirkland.

"I think the ability he showed for the overhead kick was absolutely superb," added Sam.

"The unfortunate thing was that it hit Chris Kirkland with him knowing little about it, but you have to give him credit for getting his body in the way.

"99 times out a hundred it would have gone in from there as it was a great bit of skill."