STEWART DOWNING'S part in Middlesbrough's glorious triumph in Rome impressed Sven Goran Eriksson and the dazzling winger has been left dreaming of a UEFA Cup and World Cup double.

With England boss Eriksson in the stands at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, Downing's ability to deliver the perfect cross allowed Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink the chance to head in the crucial away goal that ultimately booked Boro's place in the quarter-finals.

But, after being omitted from the England friendly with Uruguay on March 1, 21-year-old Downing realises his hopes of playing in the Germany finals hinge on whether he is called up for the next international in May.

Ideally Downing, who missed four months of the campaign with a serious knee injury, wants to help steer Boro to the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven first, knowing full well that such an achievement would aid his cause.

"It's more important for this club to reach the final than for me to go to the World Cup but I would definitely like both," said Downing, whose only England cap to date came as a second half substitute against Holland last season.

"I heard before the game from Chris Riggott that Sven was at the game in Rome but all I was concentrating on was getting the win. I knew a big result was needed and I couldn't afford to think of anything else.

"The World Cup is at the back of my mind because I wasn't in the last squad. It would be nice to get in the next squad, if I'm not then realistically I don't think I will be going to the finals. I just have to keep my fingers crossed and keep playing well."

Downing was one of three promising Englishmen - the others being Riggott, Andrew Davies and Lee Cattermole - to impress against Roma and their displays did not go unnoticed by Eriksson.

The Swede, due to quit his post after the World Cup, said: "There were some very impressive performances from some of the young English players on a big European stage, which is great to see.

"I am very pleased for Middlesbrough, everyone at the club, the players and for Steve. It is a great achievement to beat Roma over two legs with their current form and history of European football.

"It was a very tough game but I thought Middlesbrough worked very, very hard and they have every chance of success in the competition."

Most of Downing's good work in the Italian capital was done defensively, trying to help out Emanuel Pogatetz, who had been given the runaround by tricky Honduran Edgar Alvarez.

But it was the left-midfielder's fantastic cross, which was headed in by Hasselbaink, that put Boro firmly in the driving seat against the Serie A giants with a huge European pedigree.

From that point on the Boro defence had their work cut out in containing the Roman onslaught but, courtesy of some fantastic saves from Mark Schwarzer, they achieved the unthinkable and a place in the last eight.

"It was a very hard game but the lads defended brilliantly," said Downing, part of the squad that lost at the last-16 stage to Sporting Lisbon 12 months ago. "They did come close to getting that third goal but it was a massive team effort and we managed to get through.

"Roma were probably the best team in there and we have knocked them out. The lads afterwards were all looking to the final. But, having calmed down, we have to just look at the next game."

Whoever Boro are paired with in today's draw they will have to do without both Cattermole and George Boateng for the first leg after the pair picked up their third bookings of the competition.

But, with Fabio Rochemback, Stuart Parnaby and James Morrison all on the way back, there should be enough bodies to ensure the places are filled.

McClaren feels the squad is equipped for a concerted push to become UEFA Cup champions.

"We've got European nous - we had a little of it last season but we've developed it this year. Nous comes from experience, not just myself but the players as well," said the Boro boss whose side also travel to Charlton next week for an FA Cup quarter-final clash.

"We've beaten the favourites but don't let people think that's the hard bit done. Make no mistake there are even tougher ties ahead.

"But nobody must underestimate Middlesbrough and we've put ourselves firmly on the European map.

"Coming to Italy and putting out the favourites - a big team like Roma - is a huge, huge step forward for us."

McClaren will today assess defender Davies, who jarred his knee in Italy, ahead of tomorrow's trip to Blackburn. With Tony McMahon and Parnaby injured Davies and Matthew Bates are the only two players capable of playing at right-back