A BED-RIDDEN football fanatic was given a timely boost after a surprise call from former England international Peter Crouchh.

Elaine Hawkins, who lives in Leigh on Sea, is currently in self isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic and is also currently unable to work after snapping a tendon behind her knee.

But her spirits were lifted by a surprise Skype call from Crouch, who also played for Elaine’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

And Elaine’s husband Ian was thrilled Crouch was able to get in touch.

“Elaine has been very low because she’s in critical self isolation at the moment due to an immunity problem which would make catching the coronavirus very dangerous for her,” said Ian.

“She’s also been in unbearable pain with her knee and has been on very strong pain killers.

“She can’t walk and Peter Crouch find out about it because a close friend of ours works for BT Sport so he decided to give her a call.

“It was a complete shock for Elaine and they chatted for more than 20 minutes.

“Elaine also likes Southend United so they spoke about them as well and she didn’t stop smiling for a day a two.”

BT Sport also recorded the conversation and it has already received more than 100,000 likes on Twitter.

“The conversation has obviously been edited for transmission but it’s been on the front page of the BT Sports app,” said Ian.

“It’s obviously a very worrying time for everyone at the moment but this was a really nice moment.

“They chatted and giggled for quite some time.”