Cardiff City midfielder Stephen McPhail is recovering from a successful operation to repair damage to his thigh.

Stephen, who suffered the injury during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, underwent surgery on Monday. He will be on crutches for four weeks and will be out of action for up to three months.

Manager Dave Jones revealed on Saturday that McPhail would need the operation. Scans had indicated he would be out for six to eight weeks, but the player saw a specialist on Friday.

Dave said: "The specialist decided on an operation to re-attach the thigh muscle to the bone. It's bad news about Stevie and he's a big loss because he's won the fans over again. We'll miss his creativity."

It is a bitter blow for McPhail, who had been earning rave reviews after winning back his place in the Bluebirds team. and played a major role in the team's successful run through October.