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Wednesday, 13 November, 2002, 22:34 GMT
Gazza hits comeback trail

Paul Gascoigne is searching for full fitness
Gascoigne's attempts to relive past glories have been frustrating
Paul Gascoigne is fit enough to rebuild his career at the highest level, his advisor has claimed.

Gascoigne was reportedly ready to turn out for Northern League outfit Morpeth Town in a bid to revive his career.

But the former England star is setting his sights far higher after working out with former Newcastle United fitness coach Steve Black.

His advisor, David McCreery, revealed he is currently considering several offers, including at least two from clubs in England and Scotland.

McCreery, a former Newcastle team-mate of Gascoigne, told BBC Sport Online: "Physically, he is in superb condition.

"And, speaking to Steve Black, Paul could play at the highest level again.

"There are a lot of high-profile clubs around the world interested in him.


Paul is virtually back to full fitness
David McCreery
Gascoigne's advisor

"He could look to China or America, and there have also been offers from England and Scotland."

McCreery denied reports that Gascoigne was ready to line up alongside Morpeth's �20-a-week collection of labourers, plumbers and IT specialists.

He said: "Paul has been training in the Northumberland area for two-and-a-half weeks, we went to watch Morpeth Town and because of that he's been linked with the club.

"We have a mutual friend in Ken Beattie, the Morpeth chairman, and he kindly allowed Paul to use their training facilities a couple of times.

"But as far as Paul signing for Morpeth is concerned, there's nothing happening there because he's had a lot of offers from abroad."

And he added: "He's virtually back to full fitness. He will probably have another few days' work and we will look at the situation then."

Since being released by Everton in March, Gascoigne has struggled to pick up the threads of his unravelling career.

He dropped down to Division One to play three games for Burnley at the end of last season, but failed to win a long-term deal.

Gascoigne was shown the door by American MLS outfit DC United during the summer.

And he has since been linked with clubs as far afield as Exeter City, Queen of the South and New Zealand club Auckland Stars.

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 ON THIS STORY
David McCreedy
"Paul's had a lot of offers from abroad"
See also:

10 Oct 02 | Exeter City
08 Oct 02 | Exeter City
02 Aug 02 | Football
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