Robson told reporters at the English Premier League club's training ground there was no date set for Gascoigne's return to football. ``It is an indefinite period, even though there's been a lot of hype in the media about six months, whether it's two months or whatever,'' Robson said.

``We will be guided by the consultants and doctors at the hospital while they are treating and helping Paul. When Paul comes out to a full recovery...Then Paul will come back to the football club.'' `Gazza' has rarely been out of the newspapers in a controversial and frequently tormented career at home and abroad. Robson said the 31-year-old needed privacy now.

``We would like (a situation) where there's no people trying to get horrible little photos through windows or standing in the gates of hospitals and not giving him the privacy to try and rebuild whathe wants in life,'' he said. ``We hope everybody will respect that request.''

The manager said he had spent all weekend in hospital with Gascoigne. The mid-fielder, who has recently divorced and suffered the death of a close friend after a drinking session, had checked into a rehabilitation clinic in Southern England.

``Paul took it on himself with my help to go into hospital and take on treatment,'' said Robson, adding that alcohol was only a part of Gascoigne's problems.

``A lot of people have been talking about alcohol and alcohol is part of it. But I think what people have got to realise is that Paul has had a lot of stresses, a bit of depression and personal problems which he has found difficult to cope with,'' added the manager.

``It all came to a head on Friday when he felt he needed help. We're delighted as a club that Paul's made the decision that he made and he's gone into hospital,'' said Robson.

Gascoigne was found on Friday sobbing at a railway station near his ex-wife's house after adrinking bout in Dublin. Middlesbrough paid Glasgow Rangers 3.5 million pounds (approx Rs 245 million) for Gascoigne in March. He was dropped from the England squad for the World Cup shortly before the finals by coach Glenn Hoddle.

Friends have said this axeing was a massive blow for the player who was England's hero at the 1990 World Cup.