McCormack admits Villa career could be over

McCormack, 32, fell out of favour under Steve Bruce after joining the club in 2016 for £12m, making just 20 Championship appearances since. 

The Scotsman is currently on loan in Australia with A-League side Central Coast Mariners, though has also had similar spells with Nottingham Forest and Melbourne City. 

Speaking to 'Fairfax Media' about whether he would return to Villa under new boss Dean Smith, McCormack remarked: "I can't see it, to be honest. 

"That ship has probably sailed, but it's hard to say. I've still got another year left [on his Aston Villa contract] after this season, so you can never say never.

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

The striker also admitted he did not hear of Bruce's sacking until 24 hours after it had happened: "I didn't even know until like a day later, with the time difference.

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