Irish international defender Terry Phelan has been told to take a month off from football because he is suffering from depression.

The 33-year-old has been signed off by his doctors because of the stress that he is under at Fulham. The experienced defender has been feeling blue since he was made train with the kids at Craven Cottage and because of his overall treatment at Fulham.

Phelan walked out on the club during the week and was hoping for a move to Crystal Palace, where he had a successful loan period last year - but Fulham have said that Terry is under contract until the end of the year and he is going nowhere until then.

Phelan said: "People may think this is a friendly family club but the truth is very different and my priorities now are the same as any working man - I want to make sure I do what is right for my family, that's the most important thing."

The defender also hit back at criticism over the fact that he has no right to be depressed when he earns £15,000 per week.

Speaking about his doctor, the Republic of Ireland international said: "He told me anyone would get depressed if they'd been treated like I have."