McCormack Desperate For Cardiff City Chance

Cardiff City attacker Ross McCormack enjoyed a lively display despite the 2-0 defeat to Derby County on Sunday and is desperately hoping to have earned a starting place for the crucial play-off games against Leicester City. What`s more, McCormack is angling for a start in attack alongside Jay Bothroyd as opposed to the adopted left midfield role he has played since the return of Michael Chopra last season.

During the close season McCormack caused a stir after reports of a transfer request surfaced. In fact, McCormack was voicing concerns that he would be marginalised to accommodate Chopra and consigned to a bit-part role from the bench or in an unfamiliar position. That is exactly what has transpired and the frustration of McCormack has been clear. He hasn`t been given a prolonged run in the side and has been unable to replicate his scoring feats of last year.

McCormack told the SW Echo:

“The gaffer has got to pick his team for the play-offs and I think I have done enough to be in that starting XI on Sunday. If I`m not playing against Leicester then I`m going to be disappointed. I`m going to have to deal with it.”

“I have had a nightmare season with a few personal problems and then injuries. I`ve only scored five goals but I`ve played a lot of games in midfield. These things happen and, to tell you the truth, I`ll play anywhere. But through the middle is my game.”

“He`s the manager and the final decision is up to him.”

McCormack has behaved responsibly and professionally in the media all season, despite his clear frustration. He is an ambitious player, with realistic ambitions of playing in the top flight and representing his country. He did appear during Wales` 3-0 victory over Scotland at the Cardiff City stadium earlier this year but a change of manager means he will have to work hard to get back into the Scotland fold – a difficult proposition without goals and gametime.

Despite these comments, it looks certain Dave Jones will keep faith with Michael Chopra during the play-off games. Chops is Dave Jones` ‘go-to` man and its clear he feels Chopra is more capable of converting a chance from nothing. That has served him well in the past, despite his long goal-less streaks.

It`s a great luxury having a player of McCormack`s ability on the bench and he could yet prove the difference. Cardiff City fans will all remember the last play-off appearance back in 2003 when a far less illustrious back-up striker made an appearance from the bench in place of a CCFC goal-scoring favourite. For that one special moment, Andy Campbell (now playing at Whitby Town) was and remains an iconic player for Cardiff City football club.