SOCCEROO veteran and Queensland Roar captain Craig Moore has been forced out of Australia's World Cup qualifier in Bahrain after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer.

The 32 year old was diagnosed last Thursday and underwent the procedure on the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

Moore, who returned from international retirement for the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup campaign, is under the care of an urologist who told the player yesterday that the "outlook is good".

The tough defender has also been advised to rest for the next fortnight.

"Craig and his family wish to extend their enormous gratitude to all of their friends within the Australian football community for their best wishes in his recovery," a statement from Moore's management said.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek was shocked as he announced changes to his squad for the Bahrain clash next Wednesday.

"It's always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner," Verbeek said.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said the entire football family would wish Craig all the best.

"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," Buckley said.