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Mark Hughes pins his hopes on Benni

Blackburn Rovers' Benni McCarthy, right, competes for the ball with Arsenal's Philippe Senderos just before winning the match with his goal in the fifth-round FA Cup replay match at Ewood Park, Blackburn, England, on Wednesday. PHOTO: EPA

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is hoping a refreshed Benni McCarthy can fire Rovers all the way to the first FA Cup final at the rebuilt Wembley stadium after the South African striker dumped Arsenal out of the competition.

Cape Town-born McCarthy came off the bench to score a stunning solo goal to earn Rovers a last-ditch 1-0 win over the Gunners in their FA Cup 5th round replay on Wednesday, setting up a quarter-final clash at home to Manchester City. McCarthy collected the ball wide on the left, cut inside Philippe Senderos and curled a stunning right foot shot beyond Manuel Almunia with three minutes left, lifting his goalscoring tally to 16 since he joined Blackburn from FC Porto last year.

Hughes said McCarthy's display had vindicated his decision to rest the South African forward in recent matches.

"It was a fantastic goal by Benni and I can't wait to see it again. It was a goal of class and quality and that is what he has shown all season," Hughes said.

"It was nice to be able to bring him on as an impact player and a good decision by the manager even if I say so myself. It was certainly a goal that deserved to win any game. He is as good as anyone I have seen in the way he is able to manipulate the ball onto his foot and work a strike at goal," he said.

"Of late his performances haven't had that spark and that's understandable because he has played a hell of a lot of games for me. He has been magnificent since he came here, not only on the field but off it as well. He always has a smile on his face and I just thought he needed a break," Hughes said.

"He's responded in the right way and got on with his work and he has affected this game as an impact player from the bench and he has fulfilled his role tonight," he added.

With struggling Manchester City to come to Ewood Park, Hughes acknowledged his side were favorites to reach the semi-finals, before adding a warning about the perils of over-confidence.

"People will look at our record against City this season and think maybe we are favorites," he said. "But it's a one-off cup tie and the main thing is we are at home and we are very excited at the prospect."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger appeared more preoccupied with the Football Association (FA) charges against his own and Chelsea's players following last weekend's League Cup final.

Emmanuel Eboue has been charged with violent conduct, as has Arsenal favorite Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger called on Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard to clear the air.

"I just want him to say if Adebayor punched him or hit him. I just want him to say the truth," he said.

Wenger's claim that a match official has lied is certain to bring an angry response from the FA and the manager is likely to be called to provide an explanation.

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