Mariners bracing for big McCormack setback

FOOTBALL: Central Coast are down on form and luck – and things could get a little more grim after star Ross McCormack sustained a possible leg injury yesterday.

The Mariners were finalising preparations for tonight’s clash with heavyweights Sydney FC when McCormack limped off the field midway through the session.

The former Scottish international, who had his maiden A-League season cut short by a knee issue last year, had ice on his leg for the rest of the training run.

Coach Mike Mulvey was in no mood to discuss the injury later.

“I’m really looking forward to the game tomorrow,” Mulvey said.

“We’ve got a squad that’s trained very well during the week and we’ve got a dressing room full of players who are all willing to play.”

Pressed on whether McCormack would be fit to take on the Sky Blues, Mulvey said: “We’re going to have a team meeting and we’ll select the team from there.

“Everybody’s available and we’ll see what team we come out with.”

The club later confirmed the 32-yearold copped a knock from a teammate and medical staff would monitor the bruising over the next 24 hours.

The potential loss of the former Aston Villa striker would be yet another blow for the last-placed Mariners, who have yet to win a game this season.

Mulvey has also had to deal with an injury to a second star in Tommy Oar (knee), while veteran defender Kalifa Cisse is suspended for one match.

The possible McCormack injury also comes just days after the Mariners conceded a heartbreaking injury-time goal to lose 3-2 in Perth.

But despite the doom and gloom Mulvey insists spirit remains high in camp.