The South Africa international has had a difficult second year in the Premier League after launching his career in England with 24 goals during the 2006-7 campaign.

McCarthy has struggled with confidence and fitness and lost his place to Roberts after a poor run midway through the season.

But after signing a new three-year contract last month the 30-year-old claims he would quite happily end his career at Ewood Park.

And he is confident he can rediscover the form which made him the surprise package of the top flight last season, a mantle which has passed to Rovers team-mate Santa Cruz in his maiden campaign.

"It has not been the greatest season for me but not bad for the team," he said

"I can't even get into the starting line-up but it is great for the manager as he has so many players on form who want to play who can't get in the team.

"Derbs (Matt Derbyshire) is fantastic as whenever he comes in he always gives the manager an extra headache and Robbo (Roberts) has taken his opportunity.

"But Robbo and Roque (Santa Cruz) are going to see a thing or two next season.

"I'll be back to my old self, no more distractions. I'm looking to buy a house in Blackburn and become a local citizen and once I get all that sorted out I will give them something to think about over the holidays."

Some expressed surprise that Hughes was so quick to offer the 30-year-old a new contract just a year after signing him from Porto but the player is determined to repay his manager's faith in him.

"When you come in first season and score 24 goals then the second season there are more obstacles," said McCarthy, who said his new deal had given him security for the future.

"The competition is tougher now than it was last season.

"Unfortunately this year it has not been smooth sailing for me but now with the contract signed the club can be more at ease and the player can finish his football at this club.

"I would easily [see out my career here] - that is why I signed. I can see myself finishing my football here.

"Look at Tugay, look at Brad Friedel. Those are the examples I am trying to follow."

Rovers head into Sunday's last day of the season at Birmingham still with a chance of qualifying for the Intertoto Cup but already McCarthy is looking ahead.

"We set ourselves up nicely but somehow down the line towards Christmas we started hitting bumpy patches and that just threw us off track," he told Rovers World.

"Hopefully we will try to prepare ourselves for next season now. We want to be more consistent throughout the season and not through odd patches.

"Players are fighting for places and it is getting harder and harder for places but the atmosphere is great."