Gascoigne eyes comeback

Gazza glad to be back

Paul Gascoigne believes he is only two weeks away from a sensational Premiership comeback.

The 36-year-old former England international is regaining his fitness during a trial with Wolves.

And, following a successful debut for the reserves in midweek, Gascoigne believes he can complete a remarkable return to the game.

"It isn't a gimmick, I want to play in the Premiership again. I know I can, and I will. I will do this," Gascoigne told the People newspaper.

Gascoigne has not played in the Premiership since leaving Everton 18 months ago.

Remarkably, he has only played 58 times in the Premiership - just once more than he has appeared for England.

Patrick Vieira is a great player, but he's not in the same class as Bryan Robson Paul Gascoigne

But he is hungry to add to his tally and join fellow England old boys Teddy Sheringham, Paul Ince and David Seaman in the Premiership.

"I'm not frightened of falling flat on my face. If that happens then I'll do what I've always done and that's wash my face and get on with it."

Gascoigne, who in his pomp won BBC Sports Personality of the Year and scored 10 times for England, insists he still has something to offer.

The former Tottenham star is still impressed with the standards of the Premiership, but believes he still contains the ability to outshine some of those making a healthy living in English football's top flight.

David Seaman - Manchester City, aged 40 Teddy Sheringham - Portsmouth, aged 37 Paul Ince - Wolves, aged 36

"If I can't do better than some of the players I've seen in the Premiership, I might as well hang up my boots.

"They are lucky to be there," he said.

Gascoigne added: "I've watched a lot of games recently and the standard is very high. But it's all fitness based.

"There are some great players in the Premiership but not too many I would pay to see.

"Patrick Vieira is a great player, but he's not in the same class as Bryan Robson.

"There aren't any players around who can take others on and there are no ball players any more.

"Everyone knocks the ball about - the way football should be played - but no-one is prepared to take a player on and that saddens me.

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"I'm a different player from the one who made all those headlines years ago, but I wouldn't be afraid to take people on or try the odd flick.

"I know I'm in the twilight of my career - I want to give fans who might be watching me for the last time something to remember."

Gascoigne enjoyed a brief spell at Burnley after being released by Everton and then tried his luck in China, despite offers from a club in Saudi Arabia.

His move to China went sour and Gascoigne checked himself into an Arizona clinic following long spells of depression.

But he insists the only cure is playing football.

"I get depressed when I don't play. It's been killing me.

"It can last for as long as three months, but I know when I have a ball at my feet, I'm safe. I'm happy again, it's all I know."