LONDON, May 12: Benni McCarthy admitted on Saturday that he would consider leaving Blackburn to play Champions League football next season.

The South African striker has enjoyed a tremendous first season in English football, netting 23 goals in all competitions since his 2.5 million pound summer switch from Porto.

But the 29-year-old is desperate to get back into the competition he won under Jose Mourinho in 2004.

“I miss Champions League football,” he said in The Sun.

“When I'm at home in the week watching the Champions League on TV and hear that music, it makes me realise that there's a part of my football make-up that is missing -- the challenge of being part of the best, playing against the best.

“Champions League football means everything for any player with ambitions.” McCarthy added he would find it hard to turn down an approach from Mourinho's Chelsea.

“I've enjoyed playing for Blackburn -- and the manager and his staff are first-class. The club is really friendly and professional,” he said.

“But, at 29 years old, if a club like Chelsea comes looking for you, you must seriously consider the opportunity.

“Not necessarily from a financial perspective but from a point of view where you can win trophies and compete against the AC Milans and Barcelonas of this world.

“A chance to go to Chelsea - or any other Champions League team in England or Spain -- would be hard to turn down.

“I have already paid Blackburn back with my commitment and goals this season.”—AFP