Manager Sam Allardyce has hailed striker Benni McCarthy for setting up Blackburn's two goals in their win against Fulham but warned the Bafana striker must still be treated with caution.

McCarthy fired in the corner from which Chris Samba put Blackburn ahead against Fulham at Ewood Park then in the second half lofted in a free-kick for captain Ryan Nelsen to head home.

"Benni is a delicate situation because of the game scenario, so choosing his games is crucial for us. He has had some good performances for us but we need to be careful," Allardyce told the Press Association.

He added: "The pressure is felt by all of us, no-one more than the players and staff. We are more tense and nervous than anyone else and we have to accept that as a challenge.

"They were a really pleasing three points because the pitch was not in the best condition, the opposition were very good and we are in the middle of three games in six days."

Meanwhile, Steven Pienaar continued his goal-scoring spree when he scored from a free kick in Everton's 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday.