PAUL Gascoigne IS playing his first football match since 2004 - despite reports from his media advisers that he had been sidelined by a foot condition.

The former Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio midfielder Gascoigne, now 41, took to the pitch for this afternoon's All-Star XI match against Darlington's 1999-2000 side.

The game, which kicked off at 2pm at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena is a crunch fundraiser for the Quakers.

Gazza was said to have been struck down with 'foot drop' - a condition which means he is unable to lift his foot.

The match, was organised by the club's recently departed manager Dave Penney after the club was placed into administration in February this year.

With no buyer yet found for the club it is hoped the fundraising game will ensure the Quakers can survive through the summer.

Amongst those taking part is ex-Sunderland defender Kevin Ball, who is lining up alongside former Magpies' John Beresford and Steve Howey, as well as Middlesbrough's Colin Cooper, Bernie Slaven and Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton.

A spokesperson for Gascoigne's advisers PHA Media had said: "He's got a problem with his foot, so he can't play.

"He is suffering from 'foot drop' and needs a form of nerve treatment with electrolysis for the next few weeks, so he is unable to take part in the match."

However, the former England favourite delighted the fans by proving his advisers wrong and turning out for the All Stars.

* See The Northern Echo tomorrow for photos and a full report