Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack not ruling out extended Melbourne stay

The £12million striker joined the A-League club in September and has scored three goals in five appearances.

McCormack made the switch after falling down the pecking order at Villa and has replaced the injured Bruno Fornaroli in Melbourne’s line-up.

With his chances at Villa likely to remain limited, the 31-year-old has not ruled out a longer stay Down Under, even though he admits being away from his family has been tough.

“My two kids are still living in London and I won’t be seeing them until I go back,” he said.

“Maybe they can come out at Christmas, hopefully, but it’s a tough one. Never say never (on a permanent deal). I don’t know what is possible with Bruno coming back.

“Essentially it depends on how I do. If I start scoring goals and doing well there will be a chance of me staying. If I don’t, then I dare say Melbourne wouldn’t want me in any case!”

McCormack, contracted with Villa until 2020, has netted only three goals in the Championship following a big money move from Fulham in August 2016.

Last season he had a high-profile falling out with Villa boss Steve Bruce and finished the campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest. The move to Melbourne developed after he failed to secure a move away from Villa Park during the summer window.

“My confidence is low but you only get it back when you do well and start to feel like your old self,” he said. “That is another aim of mine. I have no doubt I will get back to it.

“The transfer window had closed and it was either come here or sit around at Villa. I am not one to sit and do nothing.

“I want to be involved, playing games and scoring goals. It was a good opportunity at the time. I am 31, I am not at the end of my career. I still have a lot to offer. Many years, hopefully.

“It just felt like the right time.”