Hughes: I'm cool with Benni

Mark Hughes has hit out at press reports that he has fallen out with star Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. The South African was reportedly unhappy for being substituted last weekend after the 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Hughes said: "People keep on telling me that he has stormed off down the tunnel and 'left the building', so to speak, but I spoke to Benni about it after the game.

"Obviously, he was dressed in his suit because he had been taken off early but he was still there at the end of the game.

"It's just one of those stories where possibly people are trying to make mischief, that's all it was. We're fine."

News that McCarthy may not play in the African Nations also pleased Hughes: "We're delighted with that decision because it helps our situation," Hughes said.