Former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino shocked colleagues - by turning up for work a day before he's set to undergo surgery to remove a benign brain surgery.

The ex-striker, who played for clubs including Aston Villa and Chelsea, last month revealed doctors had found a lump "about the size of a golf ball".

Today, Cascarino's talkSPORT colleague Sam Matterface, revealed the player turned pundit had surprised them by spending the day at work.

On Instagram, the broadcaster said: "Was back on the radio today @talksport with Bob Mills and Tony Cascarino who is having an operation to remove a benign brain tumour tomorrow.

Cascarino played for Millwall early in his career (
Image:
Daily Mirror)

"I wanted to wish him all the best and say how wonderful it was, that despite knowing how difficult the next few hours, days and weeks are going to be, Tony came in and worked today as if it was a normal day.

"He said “what else am I gonna do? Sit at home and listen to the radio?”

"Always great company, always clued up and always up for a laugh. Good luck Tony and see you as soon as you are back."

Cascarino represented Ireland at three major tournaments (
Image:
Daily Mirror)

Speaking to the Times in June, Cascarino, 55, told how he was told it was an acoustic neuroma, which is a benign tumour "that can be very small and grow very slowly".

He said: “Mine is about the size of a golf ball, which is alarming when you think about it, but the benign bit was a huge weight off my shoulders and in that respect, I'm very lucky.”

Cascarino also urged others to get things checked out after he "left it too long".

These days Cascarino works as a presenter and pundit

He added: “In similar circumstances, get yourself checked. I understand now that I left it too long and the longer you leave anything, the bigger the risk.”

Cascarino, born and bred in Kent, began his career at Gillingham, before having spells at Millwall, Aston Villa, Celtic and Chelsea.

In 1994 he moved to French club Marseille, for whom he scored 61 goals in 84 appearances. He later joined another Ligue 1 club, Nancy, where his rich vein of form continued.

He was nicknamed "Tony Goal" in France.

An old fashioned target man, he also represented Ireland at two World Cups and a European Championship.

The Brain Tumour Charity’s chief executive, Sarah Lindsell, said: “Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Tony for his surgery and a speedy recovery. We look forward to him being back on the airwaves very soon.

“We’re extremely grateful to him for raising awareness by being so honest about his diagnosis and treatment. It will offer support and inspiration for many others going through a similar situation.

“As a charity, we are committed to fighting for all those people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease.”