West Ham complete McCarthy capture

McCarthy made it clear he wanted to move on (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham have boosted their striking options by completing the signing of Benni McCarthy from Blackburn for an undisclosed fee.

The former FC Porto man has signed an 18-month deal at Upton Park after passing a medical and being granted a work permit.

McCarthy has scored four goals in 16 appearances for Sam Allardyce's side this season but has spent most of the campaign on the bench.

McCarthy is now targeting a first-team spot following his move.

He told Sky Sports News: "Now I can just get back to playing and getting a place in the team. I am also looking forward to getting to know my new team-mates and help get the club out of a tough situation."

The striker also admitted he was excited by manager Gianfranco Zola's vision for the future of the club.

"He has been great and has put my mind at ease on the kind of football the team will play and what I can expect at the club."

McCarthy also refused to criticise Blackburn boss Allardyce over the increasingly limited role he played at the club in recent times.

"I have no complaints about Blackburn. They did not play the kind of football that I wanted to play and so I couldn't play there," he said.

"I never had a disagreement with the manager. I have always been respectful and he has always been up front with me.

"I accepted his decision and it was clear that I needed a move and if I had stayed they would not have had a happy player.

"I felt I served my time at Blackburn and I am sad that I never had the chance to say thanks to the fans as they have been brilliant to me."