McPHAIL "SPECIALISTS TOLD ME I MAY HAVE TO RETIRE"

Cardiff midfielder Stephen McPhail is walking ten feet tall after helping the club get to Wembley once again.

The Bluebirds beat Crystal Palace on penalties last Tuesday to set up a mouth-watering Carling Cupfinal clash with Liverpool on 26th February.

The Wembley showpiece is McPhail's fourth in four years after he captained Cardiff in their FA Cup semi-final and final appearances in 2008, as well as featuring in the 2010 Championship play-off final.

It is an added bonus after he feared his career was over last summer following a successful fight against lymph node cancer two years ago.

"I've had my ups and downs - but last Tuesday was just a massive up. To get to Wembley again is amazing. "

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "I never imagined I'd get a chance like this again - especially when I met a number of specialists last summer who told me I might have to retire.

"That was so hard to deal with because football is all I have ever known since I was a kid. But once I got over the shock, I asked what the possibility was of continuing my career and once I realised that with the right medication I could get by with a certain amount of training, I was prepared to give it a go.

"I have joint problems as a result of the syndrome and there have been times when I have felt fairly ill and have needed to take two weeks away from training to allow my immune system to build itself up again.

"With all this going on, the manager (Malky Mackay) has been absolutely top-class. He's like a friend to me - reassuring me that I am part of his plans and that looking after my health is the most important thing of all.

"So, I've had my ups and downs - but last Tuesday was just a massive up. To get to Wembley again is amazing.

"And to be handed the armband for the semi just made me feel ten-feet tall."

McPhail does not think Cardiff will be pushovers in next month's final, adding: "We are a stronger bunch than we were last season.

"There is a bit more of a work ethic about us too and we'll need that against Liverpool because they are top class.

"We are simply going to have to come up with a brilliant game plan and then trust ourselves to carry it out. Liverpool are justifiably big favourites but we have overcome setbacks before."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7464486/?

A great servant to the club and still a big player for us when he is available

Top man Mcphail is and always has been in my eyes.

Great to read MMs comments about him.

Good post Carl

I hope he is made captain for the final

Nothing but respect and admiration of the guy!

Nothing but respect and admiration of the guy!

Same here.TOTAL RESPECT

Inspirational!!!! to go through what hes gone through, many people would quit. McPhail has been a brilliant servant for our club.....hope his football career long continues for Cardiff.

McPhail is a City legend

Top man Mcphail is and always has been in my eyes.

Great to read MMs comments about him.

Good post Carl

I second that Jules.

truly an inspiration, stephen deserved to wear the armband on tuesday night
such a great servant to the club and long may it continue
Hell make a great coach when he retires

agree with everythng said and also like to add that at no point in his time here have we ever here him moan....even more so with his illness...well done macca.

he is a legend and deserves the chance to lead us out at wembley and i hope he does lead us out

LEGEND

LUVS YA Stevie Mac City Legend

100%,--------- bluebird.

Didn't Annis post that there was something up in the Summer and people jumped on him blaming him for this and that and WW2 and the Gulf War and all and sundry and saying he was talking bollocks.

I know you aren't one to say told you so mate but it speaks for itself.

Kind of puts everything else into perspective really ...
Kudos to Malky Mackay for doing what he has done, I can only imagine how easier it has made things for Stephen in what must be a tough and stressful time for him and his Family.

It a testament to Malky And Stephen's mental strength and Personalities that they have become close friends during this time.

As long as MALKYS Gaffer and Stephen is Available no one else will lead us out at Wembley.

must effect him badly ,there was a shot of him on the bench after he,d been taken off on tuesday and he looked physically sick and drained,at the level the boys play at for him to be so unwell must be massive on his body.

Didn't Annis post that there was something up in the Summer and people jumped on him blaming him for this and that and WW2 and the Gulf War and all and sundry and saying he was talking bollocks.

I know you aren't one to say told you so mate but it speaks for itself.

Indeed he did Neil, I don't want to start up that whole shit again but you are right and so was Annis.

People claimed Annis said something he clearly didn't.

But the main thing here is that McPhail has come through and plays with his heart on his sleeve for the Bluebirds.

Fair play having been a similiar situation myself recently I know how scary it is being told you may have cancer or even worse have it.

nothing but respect and appreciation for Mcphail, he's served us proud and been fortunate enough to get through really hard times

Absolutely Tremendous Top Bloke

Cardiff midfielder Stephen McPhail is walking ten feet tall after helping the club get to Wembley once again.

The Bluebirds beat Crystal Palace on penalties last Tuesday to set up a mouth-watering Carling Cupfinal clash with Liverpool on 26th February.

The Wembley showpiece is McPhail's fourth in four years after he captained Cardiff in their FA Cup semi-final and final appearances in 2008, as well as featuring in the 2010 Championship play-off final.

It is an added bonus after he feared his career was over last summer following a successful fight against lymph node cancer two years ago.

"I've had my ups and downs - but last Tuesday was just a massive up. To get to Wembley again is amazing. "

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "I never imagined I'd get a chance like this again - especially when I met a number of specialists last summer who told me I might have to retire.

"That was so hard to deal with because football is all I have ever known since I was a kid. But once I got over the shock, I asked what the possibility was of continuing my career and once I realised that with the right medication I could get by with a certain amount of training, I was prepared to give it a go.

"I have joint problems as a result of the syndrome and there have been times when I have felt fairly ill and have needed to take two weeks away from training to allow my immune system to build itself up again.

"With all this going on, the manager (Malky Mackay) has been absolutely top-class. He's like a friend to me - reassuring me that I am part of his plans and that looking after my health is the most important thing of all.

"So, I've had my ups and downs - but last Tuesday was just a massive up. To get to Wembley again is amazing.

"And to be handed the armband for the semi just made me feel ten-feet tall."

McPhail does not think Cardiff will be pushovers in next month's final, adding: "We are a stronger bunch than we were last season.

"There is a bit more of a work ethic about us too and we'll need that against Liverpool because they are top class.

"We are simply going to have to come up with a brilliant game plan and then trust ourselves to carry it out. Liverpool are justifiably big favourites but we have overcome setbacks before."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7464486/?

Love the noise coming from him....top man

Steeeeve Mcphail! Steeeeve Mcphail!

Great player and it was great to see him playing for us against Palace on Tuesday.

I honestly believe our best team is with Macca starting. He offers something different to the other midfield players we have and is very comfortable on the ball. He creates space and time on the ball for the other midfield players around him as well.

I hope Macca can stay fit now until the end of the season! If he's fit for the Carling Cup Final, then I reckon Malky will play him!

Nothing but respect for the man.
Been loyal to us after all the end of season heartbreakes, captained us in an FA Cup final.
Struggled to get fit because of his illness.
Now fighting for his place in the side, and doing it rather well.
Never heard him moan about anything, and hes the one with the most right to moan.
Hope we have a ceremonial match for him when he hangs his boots up

TOTAL RESPECT

I'll be honest we looked a lot better and dangerous with Kiss playing instead of McPhail.

I mangaed to get him to autograph a FA Cup final prog. and 2 cup final stubs.

In time he will be as much a legend as Don Murray & Phil Dwyer.