GAZZA has confirmed that he will play in Matthew Le Tissier's testimonial next week.

The Saints legend received the news yesterday morning that Paul Gascoigne wanted to play in next Tuesday's game.

"I got a call from Chris Waddle, who said that Gazza was available and wanted to play," said Le Tissier.

"I'm absolutely delighted. It will be fantastic to see him play, and it will be great for the fans."

A sell-out 32,000-plus crowd, the biggest ever seen at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, will see a current Saints team take on an England XI. Among those expected to play are Alan Shearer, Stuart Pearce, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Jamie Redknapp and Ian Wright, as well as many of the Saints' first team squad.

Claus Lundekvam and Jo Tessem will not be there, since both have been called up for Norway's friendly against Japan in Oslo the same night, while Anders Svensson will be away with Sweden.

However, Le Tissier is looking forward to taking part in the game. "The calf is fine," he reported. "I took part in full training yesterday including a practice match, and it went well.

"I was surprised that the match sold out so quickly, two weeks beforehand, but I am delighted."

Asked if he was keen to play in Saturday's Premiership finale against Newcastle, Le Tissier admitted that, although he could understand fans wanting to see him play for sentimental reasons, he did not want to do anything which might risk injury for the testimonial.

He added: "If the manager came and asked me if I wanted to go on the substitutes' bench, I would say okay, but I am not aware that I'm in contention. I would not want to get injured."

Although the game is sold out, there are still some places available in the executive boxes, as well as a few table places in the Matthew Le Tissier and Terry Paine suites. For details call Kim Lawford on 0870 2200175.