Ross McCormack doubtful of Villa future

The 32-year-old publicly fell out with Bruce in August 2016, just months after completing a £12m move from Fulham.

McCormack scored just three goals for Villa that season before being sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest.

The former Leeds United man spent last season on loan in Australia with Melbourne City and his current club, Central Coast Mariners.

However, despite the sacking of Bruce and the appointment of Dean Smith, McCormack does not think he will make a return to Villa Park.

'I can't see it, to be honest,' McCormack told Fairfax Media. 'That ship has probably sailed, but it's hard to say.

'I've still got another year left after this season, so you can never say never.

'I'd probably be surprised if that changed something for me.'

McCormack, who remains the third most valuable signing Villa's history, said he was not immediately aware that Bruce had been sacked.

'I didn't even know until like a day later, with the time difference,' said McCormack, who has been playing alongside Olympic champion sprinter-turned-footballer Usain Bolt at the Mariners.

'It is what it is. That's the way football is these days. If you don't get results, you lose your job.'

McCormack scored 14 goals in 17 starts for Melbourne last season after moving Down Under and is hopefully of replicating that return in his third loan spell away from Villa Park.

'I've always believed if I play games, then I'll score goals.

'I don't think that will be any different here, but I think there's a bigger agenda here.

'I'm not really thinking about me. My career will take care of itself.

'I'm just trying to help everyone achieve what they've set out to do.'