Pascal Chimbonda insists Blackburn Rovers won't miss West Ham United-bound Benni McCarthy.

McCarthy is expected to join the Hammers once his work permit comes through.

Chimbonda told the Lancashire Telegraph: "When Benni was not there we were still winning. We have the strikers to replace Benni, Jason Roberts, Niko Kalinic and Franco Di Santo.

Chimbonda said that he could sympathise with McCarthy and the reasons for him moving to a club where he is guaranteed regular first team football as he looks to cement his place in the South African side for the World Cup.

"Benni has been at Blackburn for a long time," he added "Sometimes when you play football you just feel it is time for a change and Benni felt that.

"He wasn't playing every game and the World Cup is close and it maybe his last World Cup. He gets this chance to go and play. It is good for him and I tell him good luck.

"West Ham are in the same position as us. They need to win like we do because the gap between the teams in the bottom is not far.

"I don't know if Benni will be playing for them on Saturday, maybe not."