Carlos Alberto Parreira, the coach of South Africa, has suggested Benni McCarthy will ask to leave Blackburn Rovers to safeguard his World Cup spot.

The forward, 32, is said to be concerned that a lack of first-team starts at Ewood Park would keep him out of the Bafana Bafana squad for their home tournament - the first time football's top prize will be contested in Africa.

Portsmouth have been linked with the player, as well as his former clubs Ajax and Porto.

Parreira, who returned as South Africa coach when Joel Santana was sacked earlier this month, predicted a move away from Rovers.

"I cannot speak on his behalf but I heard him say that in the January transfer window he will decide on a new direction in his career," he said..

"Maybe he should go to a club where he can play because I don't think a player like him would be happy to be in the reserves and not playing and coming to the national team out of shape because of this.

"So, if he wants my advice I think he should look for a club where he can play."