BLACKBURN Rovers fans will go into the new season with renewed optimism after Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts proved there is life after Craig Bellamy.

Mark Hughes' new signings both sparkled on their ripped New Zealand to shreds in a ruthless display of attacking football.

This was only the third time the two strikers had played together, yet already they appear to be forming a potentially deadly alliance.

Brimming with pace and power, Rovers' dynamic duo were simply too hot to handle for a Kiwi defence that was desperately missing the calming influence of their inspirational leader, Ryan Nelsen.

McCarthy, in particular, was in mesmerising form, and he left the pitch to a standing ovation after his nifty footwork made him an instant hero.

Roberts, meanwhile, proved a more than capable accomplice, his strength and speed perfectly complimenting McCarthy's more subtle talents.

Although it's still early days yet, and New Zealand were hardly Chelsea, it was difficult not to get excited by the prospect of Rovers' new double act being let loose on the Premiership.

Dare I say, McCarthy actually conjures up images of Dwight Yorke when he was in his prime at Manchester United.

He takes up intelligent positions, loves to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play, and he possesses great touch and awareness, as demonstrated by the way he clinically took his second goal.

Perhaps most importantly, he also gives off the impression he really wants to be at Blackburn, judging by the beaming smile that lit up his face throughout.

A delighted Hughes said: "Benni's a quality football player, I think everyone saw that today.

"I've known him for quite some time but a lot of people who were watching might not have seen a great deal of him, so I think they'll be excited by what they've seen.

"We know if we play balls into him, he can retain possession for us and I think that will help us right through the season. I think we'll have better options in midfield and better options out wide, so he's going to important for us."

Aside from the front two, the other main plus was another eye-catching performance from Paul Gallagher, who impressed as a second half substitute.

Steven Reid and Morten Gamst Pedersen also made telling contributions from the flanks, while Franny Jeffers, back after injury, made a cameo appearance in the final half hour.

Although New Zealand were poor, it's worth remembering they had held Charlton to a 1-1 draw the week before so Rovers should take some confidence from this tour de force with the big kick-off just five days away.

Rovers: Friedel, Mokoena, Gray, Todd, Neill, Reid, Savage, Bentley, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts. Subs: Gallagher (for Todd, 46), Jeffers (for Bentley, 60), Peter (for Pedersen, 71), McEveley (for Gray, 71), Douglas (forhome debuts, scoring two goals apiece as Rovers Savage, 80), Kuqi (for McCarthy, 81) Not used: Brown, Derbyshire, Taylor New Zealand: Paston, Pritchett, Hay, Old, Wilson, Brown, Barron, James, Smith, De Gregori, Banks. Subs: Fleming (for Wilson, 56), Urlovic (for Banks, 56) Not used: Boyens, Bannatyne