Blair shows he's a real left-winger as he takes to the football pitch during luxury holiday

The 54-year-old former Prime Minister seemed keen to recreate the memorable ball-heading contest with Kevin Keegan shortly after arriving at Downing St in 1997.

Back then he sealed his reputation as a youthful, sporty young leader when he proudly announced his love for Newcastle United.

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Yesterday, he was also joined by his son Euan, 23, and the pair wasted no time in getting stuck in with the locals.

The Blair family, including wife Cherie, were staying as guests of tycoon Gamal Omar in a luxurious, £5million eight-bedroomed villa in the popular holiday area Sharm El Sheikh.

The villa is guarded by huge 12ft gates and has 24-hour guards, making it the perfect holiday location for Blair, who has now taken up as role as Middle-East envoy.

It has even been reported that his close friendship with the millionaire sheikh now means Mr Blair has been given access to the exclusive property whenever he likes.

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Mr Blair, Cherie and their four children have spent five Christmas holidays there in the past six years.

In 2002, he was accused of cheapening his office after it emerged that a family Christmas holiday by the Red Sea was paid for by the Egyptian taxpayer.

In 1999 Mr Blair was similarly criticied for accepting hospitality from the regional government of Tuscany for his family's summer break, before trying to deflect anger with a £3,000 donation to a local children's hospital.

Mr Blair's fondness for a 'freebie' holiday also caused controversy after it was revealed has repeatedly made use of an open-invitation from singer Cliff Richard to use his £3million Barbados villa.

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During his time at No 10, Blair singled out Sir Cliff's campaign to change Britain's copyright laws as a priority.

The ex-Labour leader was seen yesterday laughing and joking with other tourists and friends of Mr Omar during the game.

He is so familar with locals thanks to his repeated visits to the area that it has been reported that locals know him simply as 'Mr Tony'.