The 30-year-old needs time to prove his worth at Villa Park.
Aston Villa fans can hardly be blamed for expecting more from Ross McCormack. When you spend £12 million (BBC) on a proven, Championship goalscorer who found the net prolifically for Leeds United and Fulham, it’s only natural that you’d be disappointed with a return of two goals in 16 second tier appearances.
Goaded by Norwich fans for yet another non-existent showing in the 1-0 loss at Carrow Road recently, McCormack has been a regular feature in gossip columns with January approaching with reports suggesting Villa boss Steve Bruce is ready to cash in after two months failing to fit the talented striker into his system.
Yet, the 30-year-old doesn’t exactly have a reputation for exploding out of the blocks. His first season at previous employers Fulham suggests that, when asked to jump into the deep end, he takes a while to acclimatise.
After all, between August and Christmas, McCormack found the net just five times in 21 Championship appearances for the capital club before exploding into life thereafter with 12 in 23, including hat-tricks against both Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
Furthermore, in his first season at Elland Road after arriving from Cardiff in 2010, McCormack tallied just two in 23, following up a relatively barren debut campaign with 18 the following campaign.
It may be nothing more than coincidence but, for a man who has guaranteed goals no matter the destination, he’s worth a second chance.
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