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Ross McCormack blames electronic gate for skipping Aston Villa training

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce insists he will not pick Ross McCormack until the striker's "attitude towards training improves" after he was left out of the 2-2 draw with Preston on Saturday.

McCormack, a £12 million signing from Fulham last summer, has been linked with a loan move back to Craven Cottage but Bruce denies all knowledge of such a deal.

The Villa boss, though, has questioned the 30-year-old's commitment to the cause and revealed he has failed to turn up for training on several occasions. Most recently, the player claimed that the electronic gates at his house had broken.

The player has scored just three goals in 22 appearances since his move to Villa Park, after netting 42 goals in just two seasons at Fulham.

"He is nowhere near fit enough to play and be involved," Bruce said. "I don't think he's in a physical shape or state to contribute. Unless his attitude towards everything changes, he's not going to be picked.

"If that improves then I will reconsider him but if he continues to miss training, as he has done, that will be the situation.

"He said he couldn't jump over a [electronic] fence that was four feet six inches high [to get to training].

"It is fair to say disciplinary measures have been made against him because of his attitude and continually missing training.

"There has been too much indiscipline here at Villa. Not in 20 years in management have I ever gone down this route but I feel I have to make a stance because I will not put up with it on my watch.

"He has decided the team has picked itself. How can I pick him when he doesn't come into training?

"His failure to turn up for training has happened more than once. Everyone can have an excuse but when it is more than once I will not accept it."

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