Sydney - Australia defender Craig Moore has undergone surgery for testicular cancer and is ruled out of football for several weeks, it was announced on Wednesday.

The former Glasgow Rangers captain Moore, 32, withdrew from next week's World Cup qualifier against Bahrain after being diagnosed with the illness last week and undergoing an operation Tuesday.

He named his outlook "good" in a statement issued by his manager on Wednesday and said that he has been told to rest for two weeks with further tests to take place in six weeks.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek expressed his shock in a statement issued by the national federation Football Australia.

"It's always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner. I speak for the entire team in wishing him a speedy recovery."

Football Australia boss Ben Buckley said: "I am sure that, with Craig's legendary toughness, as well as the best of medical care, his age and his general level of health and fitness that Craig will respond well to treatment." Moore, 32, spent 11 years at Glasgow Rangers and also played at Newcastle United and Borussia Moenchengladbach before returning to Australia last year at the Queensland Roar club.

He represented Australia at the 2004 Olympics and the 2006 World Cup, scoring the 2-2 equalizer against Croatia which earned the Socceroos a place in the round of 16 where they lost against later champions Italy.

Moore would not be the first sportsman to return to action from testicular cancer. The most famous one is US cyclist Lance Armstrong, who won seven Tour de France titles after overcoming the illness. (dpa)