Cardiff have confirmed that midfielder Stephen McPhail is suffering from cancer. The 29-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has been diagnosed with stage one malt lymphoma.

McPhail, who joined Cardiff three years ago, is aiming to return to football by January 2010.

The announcement on the Welsh club's website says: "Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with a stage one malt lymphoma, previously known as a pseudo lymphoma.

"Treatment is expected to last for three weeks with a return to football by January 2010.

"The club requests that the privacy of Stephen, his wife, and young family be respected during his recovery."

Malt lymphoma is a relatively rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to cancer charity Macmillan.