Gazza deserves help says pal Bully

Wolves legend Steve Bull today expressed his sympathy for the plight of former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne.

Gazza has been sectioned in hospital after falling ill, allegedly talking to toy parrots after going on a drink and drugs bender.

Bull played with the fallen idol with England and got to know him well on and off the field.

Since their retirement as players, they have become friends, with Gazza helping Bully promote his Promise Dreams charity.

Bully said today: "He was a top player and has become a good friend as well – any golf dos or charity dinner, all I'd have to do is pick up the phone and he would be there for me.

"It's so sad what's happened to him. But he will get better. Everyone needs to get behind him and do their best for him. He gave the nation pride and plenty of pleasure with his exploits for England and now it's time for the nation to give something back to him.

"Everyone needs to rally around him to help him because he deserves it."

Bully insists no one compared to Gazza on the field but the fallen player needs to somehow pull himself together.

"He set up goals for me for England against Czechoslovakia and was an absolutely superb player," added the Molineux record scorer.

"As a footballer, he was one in 1,000, but he has to pick himself up, 'get his head on' and get the right people around him. He has to make something of himself – it's not doom and gloom – he's only 40 and he has to do something with himself, get focused and do managing or coaching.

"Anyone can sit around and drink all day – that's the easy thing to do, but you have to have something to get out of bed for."

Former Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, who also hails from the North East, enjoyed a playing career that overlapped with Gascoigne.

Bruce, 47, said: "I know Paul quite well. I have had many a night out with him. Like everyone else, I am obviously saddened and shocked."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, a former England team-mate of Gascoigne's, also voiced his support for him.

He said: "It is obviously a very sad situation, but I am sure he will come through it."