As the footballing world reacts to the news of Jonas Gutierrez' testicular cancer diagnosis, Alan Stubbs has revealed how he gave counsel to Jordan Moore following the Dundee United youngster's own battle for survival.

Moore, 20, was told he had melanoma skin cancer during a loan spell with Dunfermline and has shown remarkable maturity and courage to fight back, mercifully being given the all-clear several months ago.

However, with mental and physical scars that would prohibit a man twice his age, it is unsurprising that Moore would still benefit from an understanding ear and some sage wisdom.

Stubbs, a firm friend of United manager Jackie McNamara from their time together at Celtic, is in a better position than most to offer that to young man recovering a life-threatening disease.

The 42-year-old has survived testicular cancer twice, having first been diagnosed with the illness in the aftermath of the Scottish Cup final of 1999.

And his willingness to draw upon personal experience was evidenced this week when he travelled to Tayside to talk with Moore.

"I got a phone call from Dundee United and they have a young lad [Moore] who was diagnosed with skin cancer,"explained Stubbs. "I was asked to go through and speak to him.

"From that point of view he will be fine, however he is having to deal with a lot at such a young age and being open and speaking to people can be difficult.

"The diagnosis will take you to dark places and the mind-set will be: you think you are going to die.

"He needs to be as positive as he can. The boy is going through a tough time at the moment and we had a chat and it was good for him psychologically just to bounce off someone and speak abut things."

Moore, thankfully, is at the end of his journey to full health and he continues to do admirable work in the field of raising awareness regarding the illness.

However, Newcastle stalwart Gutierrez is at the start of his own battle to beat testicular cancer.

The popular midfielder, who has been at St James' Park for six years, had an operation in his native Argentina to remove his left testicle after the discovery of a tumour, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Although not acquainted with Gutierrez personally, Stubbs knows the man by reputation and admires his tireless playing style and character.

"If you are going to get cancer then testicular cancer is the one you want because of 95% success rate," Stubbs continued.

"Hopefully they will have found out quick enough and it won't be long before we see Gutierrez back on the pitch fighting fit."

Amid an admirably candid discussion with Stubbs, it was easy to forget his Hibs side have a game this weekend.

Jordon Forster was on hand to emphasise the importance of this afternoon's trip to face Queen of the South.

"We have been too easy to score against," said the young defender following last week's thrilling 3-2 win over Cowdenbeath.

"But we are scoring goals, so you take the good with the bad and try to find the right balance."