The forward clashed heads with Boro defender Chris Riggott during a second-half challenge. Rovers were 1-0 down at the time.

McCarthy then collapsed as he spoke with Blackburn's physio.

After several minutes of treatment on the pitch, the striker was stretchered off wearing a neck brace and taken to hospital.

He was replaced by Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz in the 60th minute.

"Benni looks to be OK. He went to hospital but he's out now and will travel home with the team," a Blackburn spokesman said.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes added: "We got word when we were in the dressing room that he is OK.

"There was a concern when he went off -- after the initial impact he was able just to walk off and then he passed out.

"There was genuine concern at seeing a player being taken off on a stretcher with his neck in a brace."