Ross McCormack must say sorry for conduct at Aston Villa, says Steve Bruce
Tuesday 31 January 2017 00:11, UK
Aston Villa have had no enquiries about Ross McCormack - and Steve Bruce says he will remain an outcast until he apologises.
Villa are willing to listen to offers for the former Fulham forward, who has struggled to settle in the Midlands, but so far have not received any bids.
Earlier in January, McCormack failed show up for training after claiming the gates at his home would not open.
McCormack is currently training with Villa's U23 squad and will continue to do so until he changes his ways, according to his manager.
Bruce said: "I haven't heard anything. It's up to Ross to apologise and admit he's done something wrong. He has to apologise to me and the team. If that happens we will get on with it.
"Up until that happens, the ball is in his court. I've had no phone calls from him so unless that changes in the 24 hours....There's been no reaction from him so far.
"My speaking about him publicly was measured, I knew it was coming. The press had the story, so I will tell the truth. It was no calculated gamble. I had to have my version out there."
Asked about the likelihood of McCormack still being a Villa player beyond Tuesday's transfer deadline, Bruce said: "He could still be here on Wednesday.
"If he apologises, then I'll look at it and see on merit then. But until he admits his behaviour was unacceptable then the situation will stay the same. He's still with the 23s, although I call it the reserves."