Former Blackburn striker Alan Shearer believes Mark Hughes pulled off "a great coup" when he persuaded Benni McCarthy to join Rovers.

McCarthy, 29, has been in a rich vein of form and made it five goals in four games when he scored in the Carling Cup victory against Portsmouth in midweek.

McCarthy scored 18 Premier League goals in his debut season and Shearer has watched the former Porto striker's progress with interest.

"I am surprised other teams did not have a pop at McCarthy," said the former England skipper.

"He has always been a top scorer and it was a great coup for Mark Hughes to get him.

"He has been inspirational for them. If you are going to win games you need goalscorers and Blackburn have them."