Gascoigne is said to be recovering well in hospital

He is understood to have been taken ill while celebrating his 40th birthday in his home town of Gateshead.

His agent Jane Morgan 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's recovering well from the surgery."

Last week, Morgan denied reports that Gascoigne had been treated for chest pains following a trip to Dubai.

She said the 40-year-old had gone to Barnet General Hospital to have his feet bandaged after burning them on hot sand.

Gascoigne won 57 caps for England and scored 10 international goals but has had a troubled life since retiring from top-flight football, suffering from alcohol problems and bouts of depression.

He made his name at local giants Newcastle before moving to Spurs in 1988 for what was a British transfer record of �2.3m.

The 1990 World Cup star was then transfered to Serie A side Lazio before coming back to Britain to play for Rangers.

He also had brief spells at Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Chinese side Gansu Tianma and Boston United.