Cardiff midfielder Stephen McPhail is delighted to be back playing

Cardiff City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen McPhail says the messages of support from fans have helped him during his cancer battle.

The 30-year-old was diagnosed with stage one MALT lymphoma last November.

"I was taken aback by it all... I think every one that's got I've read and tried to reply to," McPhail said.

"They've helped me more than anything, I really appreciate it, the fans have been superb with the letters and singing my name during games."

McPhail made a surprise return to first-team action in last Friday's 5-1 loss away at Newcastle, getting 75 minutes under his belt.

Although he may have been on the wrong end of the scoreline, for McPhail it was a personal triumph to have returned to playing so soon.

"I was looking forward to coming back and just getting out on the pitch and trying to give something back to them [the fans]," McPhail said.

"Being told that sort of news opens your eyes to everything in life... you just try and enjoy every minute and football that's definitely what I wanted to do.

606: DEBATE There is no doubt in my mind that we have missed him, I hope he can return to the player he was before the treatment SBFF

"I wanted to get back as fit and as strong as quick as possible, I like to think I gave myself all the chances by working hard - the doctors and physios have really helped me a lot."

McPhail is likely to be in action again on Tuesday night, as Cardiff look to get back to winning ways in the Championship at home to Peterborough before their FA Cup tie at Chelsea on Saturday.

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