Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has insisted he should be leading his side’s attack under Sam Allardyce at Ewood Park as he is the best hitman at the club.

However, 'Big Sam' does not seem to share his outspoken forward's view, having not started McCarthy since the opening day of the season in a 2-0 loss to Manchester City.

The former Bolton boss said last week he would not stand in the way of the forward leaving in January as the 31-year-old looks to regain match fitness ahead of the World Cup in his native country next summer.

However, McCarthy’s confident claims will not go down well with his manager and team-mates and he now looks set for an Ewood Park exodus in the New Year.

"In my opinion I am better than what we have at Rovers, but unfortunately the manager prefers a different style of player," he told BBC Sport.

"I am not the type of player he wants and that is why I am not playing."

The South African hitman has fallen down the Rovers pecking order behind rivals Franco di Santo, El Hadji Diouf and Jason Roberts since Allardyce came to the club in December 2008.

McCarthy could now be set for a move to Fratton Park with strugglers Portsmouth, but has several options to consider.

"Portsmouth are going through a bad patch but are still a top side," McCarthy said.

"I have discussed them with (South Africa captain) Aaron Mokoena and at this stage it is still a rumour.

"There are other clubs in England and Europe that have shown interest in me."

McCarthy is South Africa's all-time top-scorer with 31 goals from nearly 80 internationals and was initially brought to Rovers by current Manchester City boss Mark Hughes.