MARK Hughes believes it is time people start to give his Rovers side some credit after they emerged from the Reebok with all three points.

The Blackburn boss is eyeing a top six place in the league alongside a potential semi-final tie in the FA Cup over the next fortnight.

But the Welshman said he is growing tired with critics branding his side over-physical, an accusation that has all-too-often been thrown in the direction of his opposite number, Sam Allardyce.

"We bang the drum about what type of club we are, but we don't get the credit we deserve about the way we go about our business," Hughes said.

"My sides will always be physical, because that is a very important part of the game, but you don't get to be a top six side by kicking people."

Yet a top six side is what Hughes has moulded at Ewood Park - and in striker Benni McCarthy he has purchased what must be described as one of the bargains of the season.

Several managers had run the rule over the South Africa international during his time with Ajax and Porto, but none had been willing to take the plunge until Blackburn opened their chequebook to the tune of £2.5 million in the summer.

McCarthy has now scored 18 goals this season, leaving his manager more than satisfied with the man who twice kept his nerve to score from the spot at the Reebok - less than five months since he missed a crucial spot kick in the corresponding fixture at Ewood Park.

"Benni was excellent today, his movement and willingness to get the job done for the sake of the team was first class," Hughes said.

"This fixture seems to attract penalties, but for the courage he showed and belief in his own ability, he deserved to score his two today."

Blackburn were almost denied victory in the dying minutes by Abdoulaye Faye's late header, which was eventually ruled out for offiside.

But as the ball hit the back of the net, Hughes thought his side had blown their lead.

"I didn't know the goal was offside because I was too busy demolishing a drinks container at the time," he admitted.

"I think Sam has said the goal was offside, but I thought we did enough to deserve the win today."