FORMER England football star Paul Gascoigne has undergone emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.

The ex-Newcastle United player, known as Gazza, is understood to have been taken ill as he was celebrating his 40th birthday with family and friends close to his home town of Dunston, in Gateshead.

His agent, Jane Morgan, issued a statement yesterday which said: "Paul Gascoigne was admitted to hospital last evening with severe stomach pains.

"He underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer and will remain in hospital for a few days. He is recovering well from the surgery."

The ex-footballer, who also played for Spurs, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers, is understood to have fallen ill at the Marriott Hotel, at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead.

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Gazza's lifelong friend, Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner, said: "I was with him all day yesterday. I'm going to see him in a couple of hours and am not sure what is wrong with him."

Last week, it was reported that Gascoigne had been treated at a London hospital following a trip to Dubai. The ex-player and his agent denied reports he had been tested following chest pains.

They said he had gone to Barnet General Hospital to have his feet bandaged after burning them on hot sand at the Gulf resort.

Gascoigne won 57 caps for England and scored ten goals, but has led a troubled life since retiring from top-flight football, including well documented alcohol problems and depression.

Two years ago, on his 38th birthday, he returned to Tyneside after a fortnight in rehab. He checked into a US clinic suffering from depression.

Gazza's latest attempt to recapture the limelight saw him land a part in the film Final Run.

He has taken part in an intensive fitness training course run by a former SAS expert in preparation for his movie debut, in which he will play an heroic survivor battling alien invaders.