McCormack’s Scotland snub leaves Grayson bemused

The United striker has netted 10 times this season but Levein has instead turned to Huddersfield Town’s in-form Jordan Rhodes.

A first senior call-up for Rhodes has followed a stunning run of form in League One for the Terriers’ striker, scoring nine goals in his last five outings.

Grayson admits that is an impressive ratio but, even so, the Leeds chief believes McCormack’s omission is a surprise. He said: “I am not going to question Craig Levein’s decision on who he picks in the squad.

“But obviously when you have a player who is the joint leading scorer in the Championship and he is beaten into a squad by someone from the division below in Jordan Rhodes – who I know is a good player – then you would think Ross should be in.”

Asked about McCormack’s reaction, the Leeds manager smiled before replying: “You’ll have to ask him that. But our staff and players have been taking the mickey out of him left, right and centre.

“Ross knows in no uncertain terms that he is not good enough to play for Scotland. Seriously, Ross can’t do too much more than do what he has been doing and keep scoring goals for Leeds.”

Tonight offers McCormack another chance to stake a claim for international recognition when Blackpool visit Elland Road.

It is the first time Grayson has faced the Seasiders since resigning as their manager shortly before Christmas 2008 to become Gary McAllister’s successor at Leeds.

Eighteen months later, Blackpool were promoted to the Premier League under Holloway but Grayson insists he has never once regretted leaving.

The United manager said: “The chance to come and manage a football club closer to my heart was one I couldn’t turn down.

“I would only have left Blackpool to take this job. I had started a job and was trying to finish it off by getting them further up the Championship.

“I hope I get a nice reception (from the Blackpool fans). The last time I went back was with Sky to do a Blackpool v Preston match. I had only just left so got a bit of stick but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and both clubs have done well.

“Of course, no one knows what fans will be like until the night. I didn’t leave in the manner I wanted. I had never done that before and I don’t expect to do it again.”

Darren O’Dea is out for Leeds after being brought off in the weekend draw with Cardiff City complaining of blurred vision, meaning Paddy Kisnorbo is likely to win a recall and Andy O’Brien step up to the bench.

Last six games: Leeds United WWDWLD, Blackpool DWLWLL.

Last time: Leeds United 3 Blackpool 1; November 14, 1970; Division One.

Referee: R East (Wiltshire).