London, Nov.13 : Believe it or not, former England football star Paul Gascoigne is set for a shock comeback, playing in next season's FA Cup.

Gazza, 41, is being lined up to appear in a team made up entirely of former Cup winners. He will join a host of former aces in a non-league side that will be entered for the game's most coveted trophy.

"No-one will ever have seen the like of this. A team of former winners will run onto the pitch to play a team of no-hopers who won't know what's hit them. If Gazza's fit he's likely to be involved," The Sun quoted a source, as saying.

The idea is the legends will sit out the club's league games, taking to the pitch only in the FA Cup first preliminary round. The men planning the coup are talking to several clubs - including Sheffield FC, the world's oldest side - to allow them to take over their team for cup games.

If Gazza's side wins its opening match, the all-stars would continue to appear through the qualifying rounds, aiming to make the first round next November.

The organisers of the Legends football series, Toast Events, are arranging players for the Cup run, which they hope will raise thousands for charity.

Among those in the frame to appear are Arsenal's Ray Parlour, 35, Manchester United's Lee Sharpe, 37, and Bryan Robson, 51, and ex-Wimbledon keeper Dave Beasant, 49. Chelsea duo Graeme Le Saux, 40, and Roberto di Matteo, 38 - who scored the fastest-ever Cup Final goal - are also set to star.

Gazza, was last involved in competitive football as coach of Kettering in the 2005.

ANI