Paul Gascoigne looking to 'happy and sober' future

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne is hoping turning 50 later this month will see the start of a "happy and sober" future, having just got through the "worst year ever".

Gascoigne, who has had several stints in rehab for drugs and alcohol addiction, said he has had a bad time since the death of his 22-year-old nephew Jay last year, but that he was now "doing really well".

The 49-year-old, who carried the coffin at Jay Kerrigan-Gascoigne's funeral almost a year ago, told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I haven't had the best of years. I was doing really well the last time I was here, and then obviously Jay, who had mental problems.

"It was 5 o'clock in the morning and my dad rang. Before my dad even said anything I said, 'I know, he's passed away'. Since then... I've had a terrible year, keeping everything to myself."

Everton winger Aaron Lennon has been in the headlines for the past week after he was detained under the Mental Health Act, with his club saying he was suffering from a stress-related illness.

Gascoigne, who himself had a spell with the Toffees after playing for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers and Middlesbrough, stressed the importance of not bottling things up.