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Could freak injury present Aston Villa outcast Ross McCormack with another chance?

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between AFC Telford United and Aston Villa at New Bucks Head Stadium on Jul...
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Could Ross McCormack prove to be the beneficiary following the hugely disappointing news coming out of Aston Villa regarding Jack Grealish?

It has appeared for much of the year that Ross McCormack could well be on his way out of Aston Villa during this window after a hugely disappointing first season with the club.

In fact, it appears that the only stumbling block standing between the Scotsman and a move away from the club is the asking price that Villa have slapped upon him – with the Northern Echo reporting that the Villans want £8 million.

But given that many would accept that that price tag is very high for a player who failed to make any kind of real impact last term – the Northern Echo suggests that many sides have been put off by the price – it may not be out of the question to suggest that there is a chance that McCormack could end the window still a part of Steve Bruce’s squad.

Ross McCormack of Villa in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on September 11, 2016 in Birmingham, England.

But perhaps unfortunate recent circumstances may present the forward with the chance to salvage his career at Villa Park if he does stick around.

Jack Grealish looks set to miss the next three months after sustaining a freak injury in the pre-season friendly with Watford, the Birmingham Mail reported, and that may leave Bruce with a void to fill with the new Championship season just days away.

Of course, McCormack would probably not be first-choice to fill in for Grealish if the latter was even in line for a starting spot for the clash with Hull City and beyond, but there is no question that he should not be ruled out as a potential option to bolster the numbers Bruce has to pick from for those players deployed off the striker.

McCormack was often at his best at previous clubs when dropping deeper to get more involved in the play and creating the gaps in behind for his strike partner to exploit – and Grealish’s injury may perhaps present him with the chance to try and demonstrate that he can make an impact in more of an attacking midfield or winger role.

As mentioned, the former Fulham man is unlikely to be anywhere near Bruce’s strongest XI if his pre-season selections are anything to go by, but if further circumstances work in his favour, perhaps it would not be out of the question to suggest that he may not be too far away from earning one final chance to salvage his Villa career.

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between AFC Telford United and Aston Villa at New Bucks Head Stadium on July 12, 2017 in Telford, England.