Blackburn Rovers 3, Reading 3.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is determined to keep Benni McCarthy next season.

The former Porto striker finished his first campaign in the Barclays Premiership with 18 goals after scoring in the 3-3 draw against Reading.

It meant the South African finished second only to Chelsea's Didier Drogba.

Blackburn will now compete in the Intertoto Cup but McCarthy was reported at the weekend saying if a side in the Champions League came calling it would be hard to resist.

Hughes, however, believes the player's remarks were taking out of context.

''It is another one of those from a Portuguese paper and the quotes are cherry-picked,'' said the Blackburn boss.

''It is not a situation I am worried about as it was not the real message of the piece. I am as confident as I can be he will be here next season.

''I keep on trying to emphasise to people we are not a selling club. If we allowed Benni McCarthy to leave we would be weaker.

''He has had a fantastic season and it could not have gone better for him. We are delighted for him.''

Reading just missed out on a UEFA Cup spot after a marvellous first season in the top flight.

Reading played some good football at Ewood Park despite losing goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann in the 21st minute.

The American suffered three fractured fingers after colliding with Shabani Nonda with McCarthy latching on to the loose ball and scoring the first goal of the game.

Seol Ki-Hyeon pulled Reading level with a header at the back post only for David Bentley to regain the lead for Blackburn.

Coppell's side levelled through Kevin Doyle but substitute Matt Derbyshire seemed to have given the home side the points with a firm header.

Brynjar Gunnarsson had the final word for Reading, who again showed a never-say die attitude.

Coppell said: ''We have got to be delighted with our season on reflection. Wherever we finished today was a tremendous compliment to the staff and the players.

''We are not in Europe but this is a significant achievement."