Porto block McCarthy from playing for South Africa

Porto striker Benni McCarthy celebrates after scoring against Chelsea during their Champions League match in December 2004. Porto have refused to allow McCarthy to travel to the US next month to play for South Africa in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Porto have refused to allow Benni McCarthy to travel to the US next month to play for South Africa in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the latest tug of war between the striker and the Portuguese club.

South Africa coach Stuart Baxter wanted the player for the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation tournament but Porto sent a firm refusal, sports daily A Bola reported Thursday.

Porto say the tournament, from July 6 to 24 in six cities across the US, clashes with the club's pre-season training.

McCarthy, 27, has been Porto's top scorer for the past two seasons. He has also scored 21 goals in 46 matches for South Africa since making his debut in 1997.

Earlier this week the player, who has two years left on his contract, told A Bola he was desperate to leave because he has fallen out with Porto's management.

McCarthy almost went to Everton last season before Porto quashed the deal at the last minute and he has repeatedly been linked with a move to the Premiership.