BENNI McCarthy has moved to quash speculation regarding his future by saying the only way he will leave Blackburn Rovers this summer is if the club decides to sell him.

The in-form striker, who took his goals tally to an impressive 22 against Newcastle at the weekend, is reported to be a target for several of Rovers' Premiership rivals following a stunning debut season in English football.

Liverpool and Manchester United have already been linked with possible swoops for the 29-year-old, and fresh speculation in yesterday's tabloid press claimed Chelsea are preparing to test Rovers' resolve with a £5 million offer.

But the South African international insists he has no desire to move on this summer, and his intention is to stay at Blackburn and repay the faith that manager Mark Hughes showed in him when he brought him to the Premiership a year ago.

McCarthy, who grabbed the opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 win at St James' Park, a result which keeps Rovers' European dream alive going into the final week of the campaign, said: "Blackburn showed a lot of faith in me and they got me here, whereas all the other teams I've been linked with in the past struggled and didn't succeed, so I'm very grateful for that.

"At the moment, I'm not worrying about what's being written in the papers.

"I'm just playing my football and I'm enjoying every single minute of it, from coming in for training to playing in the matches.

"To come to the Premier League and in your first season become a crowd favourite, it's just amazing.

"Very few players get that in their first season and I've got it here so I don't see any reason for me not to be grateful for what the team has done for me.

"I'm just trying to play the best football and give them everything I've got, and then whatever happens, happens.

"If the club decides to sell me, or whatever else they want to do with me, it's their call, not my call.

"I'm just a player."

Rovers certainly have no intention of selling McCarthy, unless they were to receive a ridiculous offer, and Hughes paid tribute to his star striker once again after his latest goal-scoring exploits on Saturday.

"I think Benni's an exceptional talent," said the Rovers boss.

"He's a great guy to work with. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face, the guys love him, he's a great trainer, and an excellent professional.

"He was actually struggling at half time and I thought I was going to have to make a change because he got a bang on his back.

"But he wanted to fight for the cause and go out again and give me another 20 minutes, and I think that shows the character of the man. He's very much a team player as well as a highly talented individual.

"I thought he was excellent, along with many others."