McPhail missing for three months

McPhail has re-established himself as a key Cardiff player this season

Cardiff City midfielder Stephen McPhail has been ruled out until the new year after an operation on his thigh injury.

The Republic of Ireland international successfully went under the knife on Monday but will be on crutches for four weeks and out for up to three months.

McPhail, 29, suffered the injury in the 1 November 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, limping off in the 26th minute.

"It's bad news about Stevie and he's a big loss because he's won the fans over again," said manager Dave Jones.

"We'll miss his creativity. The specialist decided on an operation to reattach the thigh muscle back to the bone."