Fully healed Benni ready for action

McCarthy pulled a hamstring playing for Bafana Bafana against Brazil in Sao Paolo on September 7 and has not played ever since, but he lasted an hour in a practice match as he nears a return to competitive football.

"Yes, that has healed long ago. I have been training with the rest of the players," McCarthy tells the club website. "I’m feeling good and as far as injuries, knocks, etc. there is none whatsoever – I feel good and I am just waiting for an opportunity to play," he says.

The 35-year-old further acknowledges the good form of Bucs strikers, but he is seemingly not fazed.

"Well, all I can say to that is, I know my game. I know what I can produce and all those who have seen me play before, know what I can do. As for getting the nod ahead of the other strikers in the team is concerned? That is up to the technical team to decide, I will continue working hard at training and wait for my turn.

"I have played this game for a very long time and I think I know what needs to be done to get a place in the team," he says.

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he is not "too concerned" about making the Africa Cup of Nations squad as he faces a race against time to prove his fitness [and form] to Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund.

"I am not too concerned with that. Like I’ve already said, I am ready to play. I am not injured….I am only waiting to get a chance to play for my team; what happens next will be a bonus but for now, my focus is on playing again for the club," he adds.