Ian Holloway hails cancer comeback captain

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.