STEVE McCLAREN is convinced that Wayne Rooney can have the impact at Euro 2004 that Michael Owen had on the 1998 World Cup.

Liverpool striker Owen was only 18 when he crashed home the wonder goal in the ill-fated clash with Argentina in St. Etienne that remains the abiding memory for most England fans of the France finals.

Now, at the same age, Everton star Rooney is preparing to make his debut in a major international tournament just 15 months after picking up his first senior cap.

Rooney confirmed his emergence when he became England's youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 317 days in the Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia last September, breaking Owen's record in the process.

And Middlesbrough manager McClaren, back in the England fold as Sven-Goran Eriksson's temporary assistant, is looking forward to working with the precocious Rooney for the first time.

McClaren said: "Wayne could have the impact that Michael Owen had at France '98. He certainly has the talent and ability to do that.

"I think he's made that type of impact already in the games he has played for England.

"The emergence of Wayne has been very timely for England. He's given Michael a bit more support, so we're not relying on the likes of Emile Heskey and Darius Vassell all the time.''

Meanwhile, Boro boss McClaren is very hopeful that striker Joseph-Desire Job will sign a new contract this week.

The 26-year-old Cameroon international, a free agent this summer, rejected Boro's initial offer but is close to agreeing terms after he was offered an improved deal.

McClaren said: "We're very close to agreeing - it's just a case of dotting the I's and crossing the T's. It's great news for us because we don't want to lose Joseph.''

McClaren has also again emphasised Boro's determination to lure Bolo Zenden back to the Riverside next season following his highly successful loan from Chelsea.

The winger has been named in the Holland squad for Euro 2004, and McClaren said: "He's gone away with the Dutch, but he knows we want him here desperately.''