Scottish snub is fine with me - Leeds goal hero Ross

McCormack, fresh from becoming the first United player in just under nine years to hit four goals in a game, is cooling his heels during the international fortnight after being overlooked by ex-Whites skipper Strachan for Scotland’s forthcoming friendlies with the United States and Norway.

Out of Strachan’s initial 25-man squad, nine are plying their trade in the Championship – with United’s top-scorer the noteworthy omission.

His only chance of being in Strachan’s plans is if anyone in the original squad drops out through injury with McCormack having at least staked his claims in the best way possible with his stunning personal showing in the 4-2 victory at Charlton on Saturday.

The Scots do have one significant injury doubt in Celtic winger James Forrest, who is a major doubt with a groin injury, which could potentially offer McCormack a lifeline.

The Scottish squad are being assessed today after meeting up north of the border last night.

McCormack, capped nine times by his country, admits to being disappointed at not being in Strachan’s original squad, but he is taking the blow firmly on the chin.

Glasgow-born McCormack, who missed out along with the likes of George Boyd and Leigh Griffiths, said: “I read in the press that the manager said I was unlucky. That’s fair enough.

“You can only pick 20-odd players and how many Scotland players are there?

“A lot of them are in my shoes – disappointed that they’re not in the squad. What can you do? Just do what you do at club level.”

The red-hot frontman took his tally to six goals in just two games with his four-goal demolition of Charlton Athletic at the weekend – taking his seasonal tally in all competitions to 12 goals.

McCormack’s sensational exploits propelled him to the top of the Championship scoring charts with his haul having already comfortably eclipsed his seasonal total of nine goals last term.

But instead of attempting to continue his goals trail with Scotland – who host the USA on Friday at Hampden Park, McCormack will be with his team-mates on the training ground at Thorp Arch - barring any reprieve through any withdrawals.

He added: “I’m going to chill out for a few days, relax and come back fresh. I’ll keep working hard and when the call comes, I’ll be ready.

“I’m just happy to be in the form I’m in. I hope I can keep it going.

“I said after the game last week that if we can sort our away form out, we’ll be alright. We’ll be close.

“It’s only one game and it doesn’t really change anything. But we can do it and we’ve proved that before. We’ve been to Ipswich and won and we’ve been to Bolton and won. So we can do it. It must be a mindset. It’s got to be. It’s nothing to do with hunger or desire, nothing like that.”

Despite his own stunning personal contribution in the 4-2 success at Charlton, McCormack is keen to share some of the accolades around with his team-mates.

And the 27-year-old has earmarked particular praise for United duo Michael Brown and Danny Pugh, who both emerged from the shadows to produce impressive performances at the Valley.

Pugh came in from the cold to make his first United appearance in 12 months, while it was Brown’s first league start since the final day of last season.

Despite the pair having kicked their heels on the sidelines for considerable spells, Leeds boss Brian McDermott has been full of praise for their attitude - while making conscious efforts not to freeze them out and to keep them feeling involved.

McCormack said: “When I first came here, the first year, we had a great team. I couldn’t get in it. At times I wasn’t even on the bench. It was hard.

“But this team has got a spirit, everyone’s together even players who haven’t been involved. Browny and Danny Pugh have come in and been fantastic and I’m really happy for them.”

Delighted with United’s travelling army who overcame horrendous conditions to travel to south-east London in trademark large numbers on Saturday, he added: “The weather wasn’t great so the travel arrangements won’t have been good. but when the players came out the tunnel and saw a fanbase like that, it drove us on.”*

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