Cardiff's McPhail given cancer all clear

Stephen McPhail admits he feared he would never play again for Cardiff after being diagnosed with cancer towards the end of last year.

The former Leeds man discovered he was suffering from cancer last November, but he made a successful return to the first team for last Friday's defeat at Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland international was relieved to return to action and he is delighted to have received the all-clear on his recovery.

McPhail told the club's official website: "I want to play every game because at one stage it went through my head that I might never play again.

"A friend of mine had to retire from the game last year so it's something that I want to hold on to, give my all and enjoy every minute.

"It's great to be back although I didn't think it would happen so quickly. I always kept focusing on the fact that I would be back playing as soon as possible. The injury was probably a blessing in disguise because it kept me focused on getting fit again.

"When I was diagnosed it came as a huge shock and it crosses your mind that you might not play again. Football is all I've known since I could walk and you don't want to lose it.

"There's that initial shock and then you think 'let's get on with it', and thankfully the treatment went according to plan. I had the all-clear when I had my eight-week check-up last Wednesday, and that was another boost."