The Queensland Roar coach said Moore’s resilience would serve him well in his battle against the condition after he had surgery on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media today, Farina said: “He’s in pretty good spirits. From last week when he got the news he’s been super positive.

“He’s a very impatient person and he’s a bit bored at the moment.

“I think his first question to the doctor was ‘when can I play football again’. He’ll fight this and I know his character and he’ll get through it.

“He’s talking about two weeks time playing. He’s pretty optimistic but that’s the person he is. When he gets back on the field it’ll be the Craig Moore of old, no doubt.”

Moore’s coach and long-time friend said the Socceroos defender had overcome some difficult opponents in the past and was confident he could do it again.

Farina said: “I suppose it’s another opponent but this one you can’t see. But his character is such that he’ll never give up and he’ll be pushing himself to do whatever is required.

“Knowing Craig and the way he goes about his life and his work, he’s just desperate to get back.”

Despite the diagnosis last Thursday, Moore opted to delay surgery until this week so he could face Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.

Following the doctor’s advice that it wouldn’t affect him physically, Farina said the decision to play was 'the easy answer for Craig', despite the obvious mental burden.

Queensland Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk said Moore’s decision to play on Saturday was 'a great gesture'.

Mr Oudendyk said: “His health’s paramount. Craig’s been our captain for the last 18 months. He’s a great leader (and) we wish him well for a speedy recovery.”