McCarthy - fancies a move back to Spain (Allsport)

By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Daejoen

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Porto star Benni McCarthy claims he wants to return to Spanish football after missing out on a move to England.

McCarthy claims he would "hate himself" if South Africa failed to reach the second phase of the World Cup.

The subject of interest from Middlesbrough until the Premiership club decided not to pursue a deal, McCarthy now wants to return to Spain.

The 25-year-old striker was speaking on the eve of the most important game in his country's history against Spain.

A draw against Spain will send South Africa into a second phase clash with Germany. An unlikely victory would pitch them against the Republic of Ireland.

McCarthy was in high spirits as he discussed his own future and that of his his nation before the crunch clash with Spain, who have already clinched their spot in the next stage.

Having had three seasons with Celta Vigo and a short spell in Portugal, McCarthy obviously feels that a good personal showing in the World Cup will enhance his chances of a return to the Spanish league.

He said: "It would be a big honour for me if I was able to play in Spain again, it is the biggest league in the world with the biggest clubs."

But before his thoughts turn to transfers McCarthy, who has frequently been linked with moves to the Premiership, has this World Cup to consider.

After his country won their first ever match in the finals by beating Slovenia at the weekend, he knows they are just one good performance away from history.

He said: "I'll hate myself if I lose this match. If we perform well our players will be recognised as great players by the world and we could also give the world a shock.

"But it will be tough, and we only need a draw to make sure of second spot.

"Spain are a complete team but they will probably use other squad players now they have qualified.

"As for us, nobody before the start gave us a chance but now we are on the brink of qualifying."

And on the suggestion that the South Africans are using injections of blood and honey to enhance their performances - something they were also accused of in the last World Cup - McCarthy responded: "We are not Cameroon! To suggest we are having injections is wrong.

"We are not like Cameroon, who were accused of doing such things in the African Nations Cup.

"It is not something that countries like ourselves or in Europe would consider doing."

South African defender Pierre Issa, the Watford player, also reckoned his nation had a great chance of qualifying.

He said: "We are more experienced than when we were in France, and we showed with the way we came back from behind to draw with Paraguay in the first game here, that we are now a strong team.

"It is in our own hands now to make history for our country, we will be giving it everything."