Stephen McPhail talks about his battle with illness

Cardiff City midfielder Stephen McPhail has shed light on his two-year battle with the debilitating condition Sjogren’s Syndrome. The Republic of Ireland midfielder, who joined Cardiff from Barnsley in 2006 was diagnosed with the condition only months after recovering from stage 2 malt lymphoma, a form of Cancer.

Since then he’s faced a daily battle with pain and fatigue that has, at times made him consider how long he can carry on for.

The condition affects the auto-immune system and causes an abnormal number of antibodies to be produced which, in turn, act against muscles and joints. The affects meant McPhail’s faced a daily battle to train with his Cardiff teammates, whilst also trying to face up to fact himself.

During his recovery McPhail has had the full support of his club as well as from a less likely source too. Tennis Superstar Venus Williams, who also has the condition, has been in regular contact to offer her support.