Aston Villa striker speculation intensifies after big Saturday development

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Published on:

21 Jan 2017, 11:30 am

By Harry Sykes

Ross McCormack was omitted from the Aston Villa squad that drew 2-2 against Preston on Saturday - and fans took to Twitter to speculate that he has played his final match for the club.

The striker, who joined from Fulham for £12million last summer, was not named in the matchday 18 by manager Steve Bruce even though attacking duo Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew are at the African Cup of Nations.

McCormack was dropped altogether after speculation in recent days that he could be set for a sensational return to Craven Cottage in the January window.

Bruce selected Gabriel Agbonlahor as the attack spearhead against Preston, with rookie Andre Green chose to play on the wing.

The other winger Albert Adomah scored two first-half goals to put Villa in control but Preston front man Jordan Hugill replied with a double of his own to ensure the points were shared.

Amid the on-match drama was the big talking point of the McCormack, as speculation intensified that he will not play again for Bruce's side.

Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

And as I said. We won't miss McCormack if he's gone, the move didn't work out for him #avfc
— Claire (@FloppyChicken92) January 21, 2017

McCormack back to Fulham.
Scott Hogan to Villa.
You heard it hear first #AVFC
— Luke Collins (@Colt_88) January 21, 2017

McCormack not in the match day squad today - on the way out? #avfc
— Villan Talk (@VillanTalk) January 21, 2017

McCormack is fit and being shipped off, RHM is sat at home - Why did we sell Gestede? Poor management of transfers by the club #AVFC https://t.co/hzLy4tzm63
— Gary Smith Jnr (@GarySmithJnr) January 21, 2017

Loaning back or selling McCormack is a daft idea. Not had a proper chance. Play him as a no 10.#avfc
— WF (@WFAPEX) January 21, 2017

Surely mccormack and jedinak are injured. How is gabby and westy anywhere near squad never mind first 11 #AVFC
— Mark brough (@brooughy26) January 21, 2017

#AVFC what's Mccormack done so bad, gabby starts in front of him. Poor fellow
— Paul (@triplex77) January 21, 2017

Villa have maintained the Championship's only unbeaten home record but blew a two-goal advantage to draw their seventh Villa Park encounter.

It means Bruce's side, who handed a debut to new signing Henri Lansbury, remain rooted in 13th in the Championship table.

In other Aston Villa transfer news, the odds have been slashed for the sensational transfer of this striker.

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Aston Villa

Ross McCormack