Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack has admitted that he is aiming to hit the ground running in Australia with the Central Coast Mariners after joining the A-League outfit on a season-long loan deal.
McCormack, who joined the Villans from Fulham in a £12m move in the summer of 2016, has struggled to make an impact at Villa Park, scoring just three goals in 20 league appearances.
The 32-year-old spent time last season on loan at Melbourne City in the A-League and netted 14 goals during his 17 appearances for the team.
The Mariners will be hoping that their latest acquisition will be able to replicate a similar kind of form as they prepare for the start of their new campaign next month.
McCormack admitted that he is aiming to establish himself as a central figure with the Mariners this season and added that he believes he can hit the ground running in order to help his new employers in the best way possible.
“I want to come to the Central Coast and belong, I really want to be a part of something. I want to work hard and put myself in the best position to help the team”, McCormack told the club’s official website.
“That’s what will put a smile back on my face. The happier you are in football, it’s going to bring the best out in a player.
“We need to get the Mariners back up the table, where they belong. Where the Mariners finished last season will not be acceptable this season.
“We want to be finishing in the finals, give this season a real go and not take a backwards step against any team.
“I like to think I get along with everyone, I’m an easy going approachable guy who likes to have a joke. But most importantly I’m a hard worker who loves to win football matches.
“On the pitch, I put in as big of a shift as anyone to achieve that goal", the striker concluded.
The Central Coast Mariners finished at the bottom of the A-League table in the 2017/18 season and will be hoping for a better showing this year.
