"Gazza", one of the most talented players of his generation, was taken ill as he celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday.

"Paul Gascoigne was admitted to hospital last evening with severe stomach pains," the star's agent Jane Morgan said.

"He underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer and will remain in hospital for a few days.

"He's recovering well from the surgery." Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers during his best years, has led a troubled life since retiring from playing. He has had alcohol problems and bouts of depression.

Gascoigne was celebrating in the Marriott Hotel in his native Gateshead, part of the Newcastle conurbation in northeast England.

The city's Evening Chronicle newspaper said the fallen star was taken to Newcastle General Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for surgery.

Gascoigne's long-time sidekick Jimmy "Five Bellies" Garder told the regional daily: "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."