McCormack axed but Bruce plays down Fulham link

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has played down reports linking Ross McCormack with a return to Fulham – but revealed the striker will be disciplined for missing training.

McCormack has failed to make an impression at Villa Park since his move last summer, scoring only three goals in 22 appearances.

He was left out of Villa’s squad for their game with Preston on Saturday, sparking speculation the Scot could be on his way out.

But in his post-match press conference, Bruce said there was no move back to Craven Cottage on the horizon.

“Not that I’m aware of. Unless it’s happened in the last two hours,” he said.

“[But] he won’t play unless his attitude towards training and missing training improves.

“If he continually keeps missing training then that’s going to be the situation.

“Not in 20 years of management have I gone down this route before. I only ask one thing of them, to turn up. He’s decided that the team has picked itself today.”