MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has urged his players to stop Gazza showing his magic on his old stamping ground tomorrow.

The former Boro midfield maestro, who has been left out of Everton's last four matches, is set for a recall in the FA Cup quarter-final clash at the Riverside.

And McClaren believes the Teessiders will have to keep a tight rein on Gascoigne or he could prove to be the Toffees' match-winner.

The Boro chief had nothing but praise for the mercurial 34-year-old, he said: "There has been no one better on his day.

"He has shone since his first appearance and his personality when he plays is something the kids can admire.

"He has a year or two left playing and I think in his prime he was the best of his type.

"It will be a shame whenever he finishes playing.

"I saw Everton's match against Orient and that sort of skill will be sadly missed.

"Players like him and David Ginola can win a match in a split second, and as long as you have those types of players in your side you are always going to have a chance."

It will not be the first time Gascoigne has returned to the Riverside since his free transfer to Merseyside in July 2000.

Last season the ex-England star was inspirational alongside Thomas Gravesen, suspended tomorrow, in the middle of the pitch as Walter Smith's side won 2-1.

Injuries have meant appearances have been few and far between this season for the Geordie genius.

But Everton boss Smith indicated yesterday Gascoigne could be set to play his part in the cup clash.

''Our options have been reduced, Paul is certainly in contention," said under-fire Smith, who is without Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Campbell, Mark Pembridge, Steve Watson, Gary Naysmith (injuries) and Lee Carsley (cup-tied).

''It's the case, with all our problems of injuries, suspensions and players cup-tied, that you are likely to see Paul Gascoigne and David Ginola involved.''

The fact Boro have been drawn at home has given McClaren encouragement and he hopes the fans will back them to victory.

Tickets have been selling well and the former Manchester United No 2 is keen to see a crowd of over 30,000 pack into the ground for only the fifth time this season.

"We have a home tie and it's an advantage," said McClaren. "Just like when we played Blackburn.

"Hopefully we will get a full house and the fans will get right behind the players from the first whistle.

"Supporters are vitally important and it's a big day for them, as it is for the players, and we would like to give them a good performance.

"We need to show the fans what we can do and if we can get 35,000 in there and they can blow the ball into the back of the net for us, hopefully we can win the game."

With Ugo Ehiogu suspended, Gianluca Festa is in line to keep his starting place despite his second sending off since January 29 at Southampton during the week.

And McClaren will also have to reshuffle his forward line as Benito Carbone is cup-tied.

"Ugo is going to be a big loss, but we've had players missing in the past," said McClaren, who has Paul Ince back after a groin strain.

"In games before we've had Ince out, we've had key players missing, that's why we have a squad.

"And that's why the players in this squad have got to take the opportunity when it comes.

"And we compensated for Beni against Blackburn and Manchester United and we're going to have to compensate for him again - we have options."