Stephen McPhail has spoken of the moment when he feared his playing career could be over after he was diagnosed with cancer.

The Cardiff City midfielder said ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Peterborough: "I want to play every game because at one stage it went through my head that I might never play again. A friend of mine had to retire from the game last year, so it's something that I want to hold on to, give my all and enjoy every minute.

"Playing takes your mind off everything when you can just concentrate on football. It's great to be back, although I didn't think it would happen so quickly. I always kept focussing on the fact that I would be back playing as soon as possible. The injury was probably a blessing in disguise because it kept me focussed on getting fit again.

"When I was diagnosed it came as a huge shock, and it crosses your mind that you might not play again. Football is all I've known since I could walk, and you don't want to lose it. There's that initial shock and then you think: 'Let's get on with it,' and thankfully, the treatment went according to plan. I had the all-clear when I had my eight-week check-up last Wednesday, and that was another boost."

Macca, who was diagnosed with lymph node cancer, made his return to the game in last Friday's match at Newcastle after three months out. He said: "I had a meeting with the gaffer a couple of days before to see whether I wanted to give it a go and I enjoyed it - apart from the result.

"I wanted to stay on the pitch for the whole match but the boss didn't want to take any risks. I hope to be involved in all the games to the end of the season as long as I stay fit."

Cardiff travel to face holders Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, but Macca said: "We're trying to forget about that match at the moment. The important thing is to concentrate on the league and getting three points tomorrow night. The Chelsea match will take care of itself. It's a massive game and everyone will look forward to it and get up for it. It's a great stadium with international players throughout the team, and the pressure will be on them not us. It will be a brilliant day when it comes round, but tomorrow is the main focus at the moment.

"There's no point sulking and taking that Friday performance into tomorrow. We've got to bounce back and make sure we come out, get at them and impose ourselves at home. The fans will be behind us again and they have been magnificent If they get behind us we'll try and make sure we get a result."

Manager Dave Jones said of Macca's return: "It puts football into perspective when we see that he's back. We got a good 70 minutes out of him - he must have wished he'd left it for the Newcastle match - but he's a top bloke and we're really pleased to have him back.

"He feels good, a bit stiff and tired, but I thought he did as well as anybody can expect after such a long lay-off. He wasn't just off because of the illness but he had a thigh repair as well which would have put him out for 12 weeks in any event. I thought he did fantastically well.

"At the moment, he feels strong and the more games he plays, the stronger he will get. He's had the all-clear over the illness and that's a massive weight off his shoulders. Now he can concentrate on his football. At the moment he's fully focussed on his football life and appreciates what he's got."