AS the nation braces itself for tonight's Euro 2004 showdown between England and Portugal, one exciting newcomer is attracting phenomenal interest.

Described by experts as quick on his feet and already the focus of attention despite being so young, he is guaranteed to be one to look out for in the future.

But amid the euphoria surrounding England's quarter-final qualification, the talk of Flamingo Land zoo is not Wayne Rooney.

For the zoo near Malton, North Yorkshire, is celebrating the arrival of three-month-old Rooney, a baby kangaroo.

Only just out of his mother's pouch, staff are expecting Rooney to become a star attraction.

Rooney stands about a foot tall and is now under the watchful eye of Flamingo Land's staff.

Zoo manager Andrew Melton said: "Our new arrival is doing very well indeed.

"He's a new face creating a lot of attention, just like his famous namesake."

Meanwhile, hospitals are expecting a host of arrivals in their maternity units to also take the name of England's newest sporting idol.

Wayne is set to become one of the most popular baby names in the land following Rooney's goal-scoring exploits against Switzerland and Croatia.

As fans pray that Rooney will continue his heroics tonight, one North-East midwife said: "There should be dozens of Waynes on the way over the next fortnight.

"And if England go all the way in the tournament the number of new Wayne's will be incredible."