Boro's youth set-up impresses Capello

England manager Fabio Capello has praised the work of Middlesbrough's youth system ahead of the Under-21 international against Belgium at the Riverside Stadium later this month.

Stuart Pearce's youngsters travel to Middlesbrough for the European Championship qualifier on February 29 - the same night England's senior team take on Holland at Wembley.

The likes of Liverpool's Stewart Downing and Manchester City's Adam Johnson came through the ranks at Boro before integrating into Capello's England set-up, and the Italian admits the north-east club have done much to promote the development of new talent.

Capello told thefa.com: "Middlesbrough is a club that understands the importance of bringing the young players through the Academy. I know from my work with the Academy at AC Milan just how different an approach you must take when working with younger players compared to those with greater experience.

"You have to encourage them and work closely so they learn every day how to improve. This is the stage where you have to work hard if you want to reach the top. The fans respect this and they appreciate the players who come through, and I know they will show their support as England's young players come to the Riverside."

He added: "Not many people know that I have played against Middlesbrough. It was in the Anglo-Italian Cup, maybe 40 years ago, when I was with Roma and at the old ground, Ayresome Park."