Aston Villa forgotten man Ross McCormack heads Down Under again

The 32-year-old striker, who has been out of favour at Villa Park for more than 18 months, has joined the A-League club on a season-long loan deal.

McCormack enjoyed a successful spell with Melbourne City last season, scoring 14 goals.

But he has not made an appearance for Villa since returning to England in January.

The Scot, who joined Villa in a £12million move from Fulham in August 2016, has been deemed surplus to requirements since a high-profile public falling out with boss Steve Bruce.

And he has now returned to Australia in another bid to kick-start his career. Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt could be among his team-mates with the Mariners.

“I’m really excited to get back to Australia,” McCormack said. “The standard of football in Australia is a bit overlooked I think – everyone wants to play football the right way and I loved my time with Melbourne. When this chance came, I knew it was the right decision for me.

“When I arrived in Australia for the first time I wasn’t as fit as I would have liked, it was the first time I had moved overseas to be away from my family so coming in this time, I am in a better place and really believe that I will have an impact.

“I want to come to the Central Coast and belong, I really want to be a part of something. I want to work hard and put myself in the best position to help the team. That’s what will put a smile back on my face. The happier you are in football, it’s going to bring the best out in a player.”