Ok, just recently my gear stick (its a 5speed manual) feels like it has come loose on my '98 A4 1.8TQ.

Basically what is happening is that i find it harder to put it into first gear, and especially into reverse. Also, any gear that it is in, the stick feels very loose (i.e i can move it quite freely from left to right). .

I'm sure it is not the gearbox or clutch itself as the car stays in gear and doesn't slip or change by itself or come out of gear. I suspect it may be a worn bush? Is this a common problem? Easy to change fix? Cheap or expensive?

If anyone has had a similar problem or know what it may be please share. Thanks.