Sick Gazza collapses at his 40th birthday

Footie legend Paul Gascoigne was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after an ulcer burst at his 40th birthday bash.

Gazza collapsed in agony while celebrating with pals at an all-day hotel party. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital then transferred to the city’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The drama happened only 48 hours after he was rushed to hospital in London suffering from chest pains.

Gazza, who has battled booze and drug addictions, had recently got himself into the best shape of his life to play an action hero in adventure movie Final Run.

After 90 minutes of tests, including a heart scan, at the hospital in Barnet, north London, he emerged declaring he "felt better".

The ex-Spurs and England midfielder was well enough to head north to celebrate his birthday with family and friends at the Marriott Hotel in Gateshead on Sunday.

A spokesman for the star said he had suffered a suspected perforated stomach ulcer.

Hospital bosses refused to discuss his condition but it is understood he had surgery.

Best pal Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner, 40, who was with him when he fell ill, said: "I’m not sure what’s wrong. I’m going to visit him."

Ulcers, which affect one in 10, cause burning pains between the breastbone and navel. They can be treated with medication, but surgery may be required if they bleed.

They are caused by stress, smoking, boozing and caffeine.

Shortly before his chest-pain scare Gazza underwent three weeks of gruelling SAS-style training for his film role, including 10 days at a fitness camp in Wales and military workouts in the Kent countryside.

Trainer Graham Parsons, 42, of Defence Services Ltd, said: "The guy is just phenomenal."

After filming finished he flew off to Dubai, where he is setting up a soccer academy.

Dad John said the initial scare was a reaction to medication for burnt feet, sustained playing football on the hot sand.

Pals say he chose the Muslim state to get away from bar-infested Britain, only to find Dubai is a big party city.

One eyewitness reported seeing Gazza "hammered" in one of the Gulf state’s many bars.

Since his return he has been staying in a motorway hotel.

He recently suffered the shock of discovering beauty queen girlfriend Kate Hallam, 23, had been seeing fellow ex-England star Gary Lineker, 46. The Match Of The Day host has since elbowed her.

Pals said Gazza was upset, though he laughed it off by joking: "I’ve heard she also fancies Teddy Sheringham. Obviously, she wants three lions on her chest."