A constant goal threat, eyebrows were raised when he moved to Ewood, but he was justified by firing Rovers in Europe in his first season
A prolific striker throughout his career, McCarthy was spotted by Ajax after a spell with their feeder club in South Africa, Ajax cape Town. He moved to Amsterdam for the 1998-99 season, and his impressive 20 goals in 35 appearances helped the club to the Dutch league title.
He was immediately sold for £4m to Celta Vigo but it was during his five years at FC Porto that he became regarded as one of Europe’s top strikers.
Pacy, strong and agile with it, he helped Jose Mourinho’s side to UEFA Cup, Champions League and domestic honours, netting 46 goals in the process.
McCarthy had often been linked with a move to the Premier League and he finally joined Rovers for £2.5m in July 2006, netting an impressive 18 league goals in his debut season.
Watched by bigger clubs, he has so far remained at Ewood Park.