MIDDLESBROUGH wonder-kid Carlos Marinelli has been backed by both his boss and skipper to make a big impact on the Premiership this season.

Marinelli's number of first-team appearances have been restricted over the past couple of years because of a series of injuries.

But, after overcoming those problems, the skilful 19-year-old could now be set to make his first Premiership start of the season against Chelsea this Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

Marinelli's introduction at Filbert Street on Monday night helped Boro comeback from a goal down to beat Leicester City 2-1 for the Teessiders' second consecutive win.

And Boro manager Steve McClaren believes Marinelli could be an influential part of Boro's attacking plans.

"Marinelli gives us a bit more energy," said McClaren, whose bid to sign Celta Vigo frontman Benni McCarthy collpased after the South African was refused a work permit.

"He is a very talented player and we know he is going to cause the opposition problems."

The Riverside club's captain Paul Ince echoed those sentiments, he said: "Carlos scores goals, he can take two or three players on - he is a great prospect.

"He is an excellent player to have in the squad."

Marinelli played just 13 times for Boro during the 2000-01 campaign, so both the South American and his teammates will be hoping he pulls on the red shirt more often.

Meanwhile, McClaren has been stepping up his quest for a left-back.

West Bromwich Albion defender Neil Clement is the latest player to be attracting the interest of the Boro chief.

Steve Harrison, one of McClaren's backroom men, watched the 22-year-old in action for the Baggies against Preston on Tuesday night.

Clement missed a first-half penalty in the clash, which his side won 2-0, but he otherwise had an impressive outing.

And Clement, who is also a target for Aston Villa, is rated at around £1m after completing a move from Chelsea for just £150,000 over a year ago.

Former Boro striker Marco Branca is continuing his fight with the club over compensation.

And Branca is hopeful that FIFA will impose the heaviest of sanctions on the Premiership club, perhaps even a ban from the top flight.

The forward's solicitor, Angelo Cascella, said: "FIFA are going to impose sanctions against the club.

"FIFA said in June if the English club did not pay Branca they would impose sanctions on Middlesbrough not to play in the English league.

"Now we are asking FIFA to declare this and impose this on the Football Association."

Despite Cascella's claims the FA will continue to back Boro, as they have done throughout the two-year wrangle.

"We have had no indications from FIFA that the situation has changed or is about to," said an FA spokesman.

"We have maintained that Middlesbrough have done the right thing by Marco Branca and our opinion has not changed. It is an on-going situation."

Boro cancelled Branca's contract in April 1999 due to the player having a knee injury.

Two independent surgeons told the club that the former Inter Milan man was unfit to play professionally. However, Branca has just completed a full season with Serie B Monza, scoring seven goals in 30 games.

* Boro midfielder Phil Stamp's chances of a permanent transfer to Millwall have received a blow after his loan move was cut short by injury.

The 25-year-old joined Millwall two weeks ago on a month's loan but a groin injury suffered during the club's Worthington Cup defeat at Gillingham has cut short his spell with the Londoners.

* Boro keeper Marlon Beresford has returned from a month's loan with Wolves.

Beresford was wanted by the Molineux club longer but McClaren needs the 32-year-old back as cover for Mark Crossley, with Mark Schwarzer ruled out of the Chelsea trip through suspension.

* Boro's 16-year-old stopper Ross Turnbull has been included in the England Under-17s squad to face Spain on October 3 at Bristol City's Ashton Gate.

Turnbull, from Bishop Auckland, has already represented his country at Under-15 level.

* Boro's Worthington Cup match with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park has been arranged for October 10 (kick-off 7.45).

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s and over-65s

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