Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway believes that action is needed to help troubled footballers who are experiencing tough battles in their personal lives.

Holloway admits that he was moved by a recent documentary detailing legendary midfielder Paul Gascoigne's 20-year battle with alcoholism. The Palace boss was also in charge at QPR when current PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle faced alcohol-related problems.

"It is the pressures of this world and being in the limelight," Holloway told Sky Sports News.

"I don't know if anyone saw the programme on Gazza the other night, but I was in floods of tears myself. I don't blame him for that. It is just awful. He can't go anywhere, can't do anything, doesn't know where he is, he doesn't know who he is.

"I think us football people have a duty to make sure our young lads don't get like that. It is heartbreaking to see him like that. We all wish him well. Let the football family get hold of someone like that and make sure we help as much as we can."

Crystal Palace welcome Swansea City to Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday.