McCormack ‘unlucky’ to miss out with Scotland

The Elland Road club’s top scorer’s omission came yesterday as Steven Fletcher returned to the international set-up.

McCormack had been in the squad for last month’s World Cup qualifier with Croatia and had been hoping to retain his place after taking his season’s tally for United to eight goals with a double in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Yeovil Town.

However, Strachan has decided to look elsewhere for the double header with the US at Hampden Park on November 15 and 
away at Norway in Molde four days later.

On the selection of his 25-man squad, the Scotland manager said: “There are a few guys I have thought about (calling up) and a few decent guys (not picked) like Ross McCormack, who is maybe unlucky after scoring two goals in the Championship with Leeds at the weekend. He will feel a bit unlucky.

“There is a lot of people who will feel disappointed. But we are watching a lot of people.

“I spoke to players and said, ‘Listen, I know what you can do; it’s been noted, we appreciate that’. But it’s a good chance for me now to have a look at one or two other players.

“If these players we bring in are even better than the players we have left out, that will be a bonus. But they will have to do well.”

McCormack’s failure to be called up by Strachan could, of course, work in United’s favour as it means the striker will be able to rest after starting all but one of the club’s 17 league and cup games. Other Leeds players, though, who could be called up for this month’s international friendlies include Paul Green (Republic of Ireland), Rodolph Austin (Jamaica) and Marius Zaliukas (Lithuania).

Meanwhile, United’s medical staff continue to assess the fitness of Stephen Warnock after the full-back limped out of the win over Yeovil. He then left Elland Road wearing a protective air boot, raising fears he could be forced to miss Saturday’s trip to Charlton Athletic.

Against the Glovers, Jason Pearce deputised at left wing-back and drew praise from both his manager and team-mates.

Whether McDermott would be willing to start Pearce in such a position remains to be seen and with Adam Drury also struggling, Danny Pugh could be handed a surprise recall.

United’s home game against Leicester City on Saturday January 18 has been selected for live broadcast by Sky, kick-off at 12.15pm.