Hull's Angus MacDonald diagnosed with early stages of bowel cancer

Hull City have announced that defender Angus MacDonald has been diagnosed with early stages of bowel cancer.

The Sky Bet Championship club said in a statement that MacDonald, 26, had shown "great strength of character" in his reaction to the diagnosis.

"Hull City are sad to announce that Angus Macdonald has been diagnosed with early stages of bowel cancer," a club statement read.

"Angus has shown great strength of character in the way he has reacted to this news. The whole Tigers family join together in showing Angus continued love and will support him in his recovery.

"His physical and mental wellbeing are our number one priority at this moment in time.

"The club kindly requests that supporters and the media respect the privacy of Angus and his family at this time. Please also note that any further updates on his progress will be provided by the club."

MacDonald took to social media to say he is determined to get back to full health and playing for Hull.

"This is not an easy post to write but life isn't always an easy road to navigate," he said. "The news broke today from my club that I have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

"After a year on the sidelines and recently getting back into full training, returning to the pitch felt closer than ever, so this news has come as a complete shock and is hard to take and fully process.

"However, I'm blessed to have fantastic family and friends and some very good people around me to help me get through this, as well as amazing team-mates and staff at the club who have been with me all the way through the past year.

"I'm getting my head around this new challenge that lies ahead. I will be ready to fight this head on, and I'm going to do whatever I can to get back to full health and back on that pitch."

MacDonald joined Hull from Barnsley in January 2018 and has made 14 Championship appearances.