Former Rangers and Newcastle star Craig Moore has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Treament for former Gers and Magpies ace
Former Rangers and Newcastle star Craig Moore has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The Australian, who was the only home-based player named in his country's squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifier with Bahrain, is now set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
However, Socceroos team manager Ian Hanson is confident Moore will soon be back playing again.
"The outlook is good. In six weeks further testing will be done - but I don't think we have seen the last of Craig Moore as a player," said Hanson.
Aussie coach Pim Verbeek said he and everyone was shocked by the news, and their thoughts were with him.
"It's always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this, but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner. I speak for the entire team in wishing him a speedy recovery," Verbeek said.
Verbeek has now had to make three changes from his initial squad, as Nurnberg's Matthew Spiranovic and Vince Grella of Blackburn have joined Moore in pulling out.
Verbeek has brought in three domestic-based players to his squad in the shape of Jade North, Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak.
Australia squad in full: Mark Bresciano, Jacob Burns, Tim Cahill, David Carney, Chris Coyne, Jason Culina, Bruce Djite, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Richard Garcia, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald, Lucas Neill, Michael Petkovic, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Stefanutto, Mile Sterjovski, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire, Jade North, Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak
