Former Newcastle hero Paul Gascoigne has backed Kieron Dyer to follow his World Cup example - by catapulting himself on to the global stage this summer.

Gazza shot to fame thanks to his exploits in World Cup 90, when his tears in the semi-final defeat by Germany won the heart of the nation.

The 34-year-old expects Newcastle prodigy Dyer to be an equally big hit when unleashed on England's Far East finals campaign.

Gascoigne said: "If he's given the opportunity this summer he'll be discovered by world football because that's the sort of ability he has."

Dyer took a big step to cementing his place in the squad for Japan and Korea with his first England appearance in 17 months, and his first under Sven-Goran Eriksson, against Paraguay at Anfield last night.

Gascoigne added: "I can see a lot of similarities to me when I first made an impression.

"He's a kid who lives for playing football and it shines through his game."

Gascoigne points to the guidance of Bobby Robson, who has played a significant role in both midfielders' careers, as a vital ingredient in Dyer's development.

"Dyer's come on because he's got a great teacher in Bobby. He was my England manager in 1990 and he did an awful lot for my career, now he's doing the same for Dyer.

"Young players need a guiding light and Bobby is that to Dyer. Whatever he does it's for the benefit of the lad and Newcastle. I'm certain Kieron appreciates that."

Gazza was back on Tyneside to help raise over £20,000 for his hometown team Gateshead in a sell-out dinner.

The UniBond League side have been threatened with bankruptcy but are now in a much healthier state thanks to Gascoigne.

He added: "I couldn't let Gateshead die. I'm proud of my roots. This is where my heart is."

* Newcastle are considering a surprise bid to pluck a virtually unknown striker from the French Second Division.

Robson has been keeping tabs on promising Le Mans forward Olivier Thomert, despite a modest scoring record of just four goals in 21 outings this season.

The Newcastle boss sees the raw but pacy 22-year-old as ideal cover for his first choice strikers, but may have to act quickly this summer to head off interest from French top flight side Bordeaux.

Thomert is contracted for another three years, but Le Mans would be tempted to part with their young striker for a modest fee by Premiership standards.