Moore diagnosed with cancer

Former Rangers and Newcastle 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 surgery in Brisbane today.

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.”