Mackay tips McPhail to shine

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay has tipped Stephen McPhail to play a key role in his side's push for promotion next season.

The former Ireland international has struggled over the last few years with Sjogren's Syndrome but, after finding the right balance of medication, once again established himself in the Bluebirds' line-up towards the end of last term. Mackay now expects the 32-year-old to come back stronger than ever in pre-season and has tipped him to star in the upcoming campaign. "Stephen is an important player for us and we all hope his experience last season will help him," says Mackay. "His medication levels were right and he is keen to get back into it as well as every other player in pre-season. "He is a top-quality footballer, rated highly by everybody at Cardiff City."