The forward clashed heads with Boro defender Chris Riggott during a second-half challenge.

He then collapsed as he spoke to Blackburn's physiotherapist.

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 Roque Santa Cruz in the 60th minute.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes said: 'We got word when we were in the dressing room that he is okay. There was concern at seeing a player being taken off on a stretcher with his neck in a brace.'

However, McCarthy's misfortune handed an opportunity to Santa Cruz, and the new signing from Paraguay made a big impact on his Premiership debut.

He scored the equaliser with a towering header from David Bentley's cross, before fellow-substitute Matt Derbyshire hit a brilliant winner within seconds of coming on.

Hughes said: 'You don't want to make changes in those situations but Roque and Matt came on and had an immediate impact.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE