Villa tell Ross to shape up
ASTON VILLA have slapped Ross McCormack on a summer fitness programme.
Villa boss Steve Bruce has offered an olive branch to the troubled Scot after his season to forget at Villa Park.
He has spoken to the striker, signed for £12million from Fulham last year, and ordered him to shape up.
Bruce said: “Ross will be coming back because he belongs to us. We have to put him on a fitness regime.
“He’s got a niggle in his ankle. That needs to be sorted. The first thing after that is for him to get on a programme to get him into optimum physical condition.
“We’ve had a conversation about that. The rest is really up to Ross.
“It’s no secret he has had a few problems. I hope those have cleared up. I’m sure if he abides by the rules – and he’s said he intends to – then we will do everything in our power to get him up and running again.
Grudges
“I don’t bear grudges. We’ve had a conversation. He understands the situation.
“I want him to focus on one thing: Getting his career back on track.
“It should have been the best 12 months of his life.
“He got a big move here and the rest is up to Ross to really grasp the opportunity.
“If he reforms the way he should, then of course I’ll give him a chance.”
Bruce’s patience with the forward finally snapped during the winter after he failed to turn up for training.
Villa’s boss went around to McCormack’s house after the 30-year-old Scot claimed his electric gates wouldn’t open. That led to a fall-out with Nottingham Forest stepping in to take him on loan.
However, he has only made fleeting appearances at the City Ground and his campaign has been written off. McCormack has had an operation to remove five cysts from his mouth last month, and Bruce added: “Ross will be especially important because it looks as though Jonathan Kodjia is out for up to six months.”