Why Melbourne City striker Ross McCormack was dropped for last week’s clash with Brisbane

MELBOURNE City striker Ross McCormack is understood to have been internally suspended for last week’s clash with Brisbane.

MELBOURNE City striker Ross McCormack is understood to have been internally suspended for last week’s clash with Brisbane.

The Scottish international, on loan from Aston Villa, was a conspicuous absentee from City’s team sheet for the clash with the Roar, with the club’s explanation post-match being that he was out with an Achilles injury.

And while true that the 31-year-old has been battling an Achilles complaint that has required painkilling injections, the Herald Sun can reveal that the real reason for his absence last week was that he was stood down by coach Warren Joyce.

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McCormack was reportedly punished for tardiness. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It hurt the team’s chances too, which highlights Joyce’s hardline approach to discipline.

With Tim Cahill also out on the back of his time away with the Socceroos, attacking midfielder Marcin Budzinski had to line-up as a makeshift striker in the 3-1 loss at Suncorp Stadium.

It is understood McCormack arrived exceptionally late to training one morning last week, leaving Joyce none-too-pleased.

This is the second time this year McCormack has made such a mistake, with the one-time leading English Championship goal scorer infamously turning up late to Villa training in January because his gate broke, which meant he couldn’t get his car out.

That lead to a breakdown in his relationship with manager Steve Bruce, with McCormack subsequently sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest and then was almost transferred permanently to Sunderland before he came to Melbourne as an injury replacement for Bruno Fornaroli.

City officials have been contacted for comment.

Warren Joyce’s role is coming under increasing pressure. (AAP Image/ Julian Smith)

Joyce is expected to confirm on Thursday morning that McCormack, who has scored four goals in six games, will be available for selection for Friday night’s clash with Perth at AAMI Park.

McCormack’s loan stint will end when Fornaroli returns from his broken ankle, which is expected to be in January or February.

The suspension revelation comes on the back of the controversy surrounding Cahill and his relationship with coach Joyce, with Cahill making it known last week he may seek a move from City in January if he doesn’t get more game time.

After it was reported that Cahill’s relationship with Joyce is at breaking point, the two chatted in depth on Saturday after the team returned to Melbourne from Brisbane.

Making a fourth-straight World Cup squad next June is Cahill’s major focus.

Originally published as Why Melbourne City striker Ross McCormack was dropped for last week’s clash with Brisbane