Former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has urged Benni McCarthy to end his feud with the authorities and return to the national team.

Bartlett says the Blackburn Rovers striker is important for the 2010 World Cup hosts.

"Without a doubt, he's still our top scorer, all-time leading goal scorer and he's a very big part of our national team," Bartlett told BBC Sport.

He added: "I think the Confederations Cup was just a wake up call for Benni, to see what his priorities are and what he needs to do to make sure South Africa is a formidable force in the World Cup."

McCarthy has had a long history of tempestuous relationship with the leadership of the South African Football Association and selectors in recent years.

Yet Bartlett, who is the second all-time leading Bafana Bafana scorer behind McCarthy, is confident goals from the Blackburn Rovers striker can help them achieve success at the 2010 World Cup on home soil.

"He knows what he needs to do, and I think he's well on his way making sure he's back into that team, and we need him as a country and as a national team," continued Bartlett.

"There is no doubt we need a goal scorer like him and I am pretty sure he will be in the team come 2010.

"I am sure he will return a more determined player and will score the goals, which could take us to the height of success in 2010," concluded the former Bafana marksman.