'My shock at Gazza's sad demise' (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'My shock at Gazza's sad demise'

1:36pm Monday 25th February 2008 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Stuart McCall is praying former Rangers pal Paul Gascoigne can get his life back on the rails.

Gazza was sectioned under the Mental Health Act last week after being arrested at a hotel in Gateshead.

McCall, who played alongside him in midfield in Scotland, admitted the news came as a terrible shock.

He said: "It's so sad the way things have turned out. But Gazza was lauded by everyone and when you're living under the microscope like he was, then it must be very hard.

"Everybody wants to do whatever they can for him but really it's something that Paul will have to come through himself.

"I was unfortunate' to share a dressing room with him and changed next to him for three long years! But he was a fantastic lad and an absolute genius on the park.

"Gazza would probably say they were his happiest times as a player because he felt part of the family. He wasn't treated as a superstar but one of the lads and he loved that."

The City boss was back at Ibrox on Sunday to be inducted into the Rangers hall of fame.

McCall became the 71st player to be specially honoured by the club and was presented with a trophy by Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist.

"It was a great moment and probably the proudest of my career," he added. "When you think of all the great players who have represented Rangers down the years then it is a wonderful honour.

"I got quite emotional to think my name will be up there with people like John Greig and Jim Baxter."

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