STEWART Downing might be 21 years of age but, despite falling outside the age limit, the Middlesbrough midfielder could still play a pivotal role in this evening's UEFA European Under-19 Championship final.

He will not be appearing on the pitch as England take on France at Belfast's Windsor Park but, after making his senior international debut in February, Downing is the inspiration behind a Teesside talent show that has taken England's youngsters to within 90 minutes of European glory.

With four players in the squad for this evening's game - James Morrison, Tony McMahon, Andrew Taylor and David Wheater - Boro have a greater representation than any other club side.

And after bursting into the limelight as Middlesbrough's player of the season last term, it is Downing who is providing the inspiration for the club's latest crop of teenage talent.

"Stewart Downing is a good friend of mine," said Darlington-born Morrison, who has played in all but one of England's four matches in Northern Ireland. "He passes advice down to me about the things he has experienced in the past couple of years.

"It gives me something to aim for because he has shown it is possible for a young player to break through.

"Obviously it is harder now with lots of foreigners coming into the game, but at Middlesbrough there is a really good set-up and, if you are good enough, you will get into the first team.

"A few of us have done that and it is a great club for any young player to be at.

"You can tell that it's a great youth system as we have got four players in this England squad. We're all local lads so it's great for me personally and for the club to have us there."

Morrison is already well on the way towards emulating Downing's successes after breaking into the Middlesbrough first team last season.

The 19-year-old made 22 senior appearances last term, with his four goals underlining the attacking threat he carries from his preferred position on the right of midfield.

His performances have helped him become an established member of Boro's first-team squad and given him the confidence to express himself on the international stage.

"Every little bit of experience you have can only help you in this tournament," said Morrison. "Obviously, any first-team experience is a major help when it comes to big matches.

"Also added to that is the advice some of the older pros at the club, like Gareth Southgate, have given me. That is so good as they have been there and done it and they know what they are talking about."

That advice helped Morrison play a starring role on the right flank as England brushed aside Serbia and Montenegro in Tuesday night's semi-final.

"I thought we outplayed them in the first half," he said. "And there was plenty of space for me to show what I can do. Hopefully, we can take that into the final and finish with a win against France.

"The system we play works for me as I like to get wide and create from there. I don't really class myself just as a winger or a wide man as I can play anywhere really, including centre midfield where I have been known to play.

"I'm happy playing anywhere but our system does allow me to play a certain role."

l Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren last night performed a surprise u-turn by sending winger Peter Lovenkrands back to Rangers and naming striker Massimo Maccarone in his squad for this weekend's four-team tournament in Portugal.

Boro officials released a provisional squad for this evening's friendly with Sporting Lisbon yesterday morning and Maccarone's name was not included on the list.

But the Italian was given a shock reprieve later in the day and is expected to feature in either tonight's game or tomorrow's clash with Real Betis or Vitoria Setubal.

Maccarone was promoted to Boro's 23-man squad after McClaren opted to drop his interest in Denmark international Lovenkrands.

The Rangers striker failed to impress during two training sessions on Teesside this week and, despite provisionally agreeing a £600,000 fee for his services, Boro officials have informed their Glasgow counterparts they have no intention of taking things any further.

Lovenkrands' agent, Ivan Benes, last night claimed the deal was not dead and hoped further talks withBoro would be held next week.

But, after overseeing his side's pre-season preparations on the Algarve this weekend, McClaren will spend the next seven days chasing a number of other midfield targets.