FORMER Rangers defender Craig Moore has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The 32-year-old Moore was diagnosed with the condition last Thursday, but has been buoyed by the positive outlook from his treating urologist.
He has now been ruled out of Australia's World Cup qualifier in Bahrain next week after undergoing surge
ry in Brisbane yesterday.
The news comes as a blow to national coach Pim Verbeek, who selected the Queensland Roar captain for the qualifier in Manama following his international return against Qatar last month after an eight-month retirement from the Socceroos.
"It's always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this, but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner," Verbeek said. "I speak for the entire team in wishing him a speedy recovery."
Moore had two spells at Rangers, the first under Walter Smith from 1993 until 1998, when he joined Crystal Palace. After one season with the Selhurst Park club, Moore returned to Ibrox for Dick Advocaat and thrived, eventually becoming club captain. In all, Moore won six league championship medals, four Scottish Cups and four League Cups.
Moore eventually left Ibrox to team up once again with Advocaat at Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2005, and also played for Newcastle United before heading back Down Under last year.
The full article contains 222 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
