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Ian Holloway hails cancer comeback captain

Holloway hails cancer comeback captain
© PA Photos
Ian Holloway hails Keith Southern after the midfielder made his return to football just two months after surgery for testicular cancer.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has heaped praise upon Keith Southern after the midfielder made his return to the side in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, just two months after surgery for testicular cancer.

Southern, 30, was made captain for the day and was given a rousing reception from the fans at Bloomfield Road.

The day didn't go perfectly for the Blackpool man though, as he suffered a large cut on his ankle during the match.

"I gave him the captaincy because he thoroughly deserves it and now he's gone and got another cut - life is a funny thing. I've never seen a gash like it, it's a great big hole," said Holloway.

"Even that bout of cancer he had didn't keep him out for more than five weeks, so it's only a little gash. We will let him have some time off.

"I've never known a bloke mentally as strong as him on and off the pitch. He didn't realise how bad [the cut] was, he didn't even want treatment."

Southern is the longest-serving player at Bloomfield Road, having been at the club since 2002.

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