FORMER England Under-21 striker Jon Stead feels Stewart Downing, a former team-mate on the international stage, can have a serious impact on this summer's World Cup.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's preparations for the Germany finals were boosted yesterday morning when it was confirmed that Wayne Rooney's recovery from a broken metatarsal is going to plan.

Nevertheless, Rooney will miss the start of the World Cup and faces a race to be fit to figure in the latter stages of the tournament, should England get there.

But Stead, speaking on the day Sunderland revealed details of the launch date for the their new blue away kit, feels England's World Cup chances could well be boosted by the rise of a few younger heroes.

The Black Cats forward has played at under-21 level with Middlesbrough winger Downing, Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick, so he feels he is in a position to pass judgement on some of Eriksson's selections.

Downing in particular is someone Sunderland fans know all about, having spent a couple of months on loan at the Stadium of light before he became such a permanent fixture in the starting line-up at the Riverside.

"We have a very strong squad," said Stead. "We've got world-class players such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

"But then we also have the kind of player like Downing who could grab a chance and shock a few people.

"Rooney's injury is a big blow but it's not the end of the world. He's a class player but I think we have enough to go all the way without him."

Stead and Crouch both suffered the embarrassment of dreadfully long goal droughts for their respective clubs this season.

But the Sunderland man, who was never anywhere near creeping into Eriksson's World Cup plans, has backed Crouch to fill the void left by Rooney during the group stage.

The Reds' gangly striker went 22 games, seven months, 24 hours and eight minutes before breaking his duck for the Anfield club following a summer switch from Southampton.

Stead's wait for a Sunderland goal spanned even longer. He went 31 matches over 11 months at two different clubs without scoring in the Premiership.

The former Blackburn man said: "I was very impressed with Peter Crouch the other night against Belarus in the B international.

"I've always rated Peter and I've played with him in the England Under-21s before.

"He can be a real handful and he could provide that surprise package in the World Cup."

Sunderland have been credited with interest in Lincoln City defender Gareth McAuley.

McAuley is also thought to be wanted by Crewe and Leicester.

*Sunderland fans have the chance to get their hands on the new strip from June 8 at the Stadium of Light, when the club are holding a barbecue fun day with drinks and games.

Fans can also pre-order their new shirt and that can be done through the club's official website or by calling 0845 6711973.

"We have always enjoyed fantastic support away from home and I'm sure the new shirt will prove popular with the fans,'' said Stead.