Gary Lineker has stepped in to help a stricken footballer after a regional daily editor’s appeal.

The Match of the Day presenter and former England international pledged £3,000 towards career-saving surgery for Doncaster Rovers Belles captain Sophie Scargill.

Mr Lineker’s pledge came after Yorkshire Post editor James Mitchinson had published an appeal to help Ms Scargill, pictured, on Twitter in which he tagged the former striker.

She was told she needed to raise £5,000 to fund surgery on her right knee after suffering an injury in training last month.

In his appeal, James wrote: “This feels deeply unfair to me, yet [Ms Scargill] is dealing with it with class.

“I wonder – and we’ve managed this before, folks – can we find a way to raise this money and potentially save her career?”

On Ms Scargill’s JustGiving page, Mr Lineker wrote in response: “I see you need another £3,000.

“It’s my pleasure to help. Hope to see you back playing soon.”