Scotland star Ross McCormack involved in furious doorstep bust-up with Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce

Ross McCormack was involved in a furious stand-off with Steve Bruce on the Scotland striker’s own doorstep.

The Aston Villa star was involved in an incredible face-to-face confrontation with his boss after he phoned the club to say he wasn’t available to train earlier this week.

Bruce has stood by McCormack, despite being upset with his fitness levels this season. He has already phoned in sick twice this season – and the Geordie was spitting mad at his recent excuse.

So when the forward contacted Bodymoor Heath this week, Bruce was in no mood to compromise.

McCormack’s latest excuse was that he was unable to make training as the electric gates on his property would not open.

Bruce challenged his player, asking him to jump over the fence and to book a taxi in order to make training.

But McCormack responded by saying that they were going to be fixed and he would try to get to the club’s Bodymoor Heath training base.

Unfortunately for Villa’s £12m summer signing from Fulham, Bruce was not about to take ‘No’ for an answer.

He discovered where McCormack lived and drove round to his house. He then jumped over the fence and rang on the doorbell where he let rip at the startled player.

McCormack was left out of Villa’s squad for the game against Preston North End this afternoon.

And Bruce was in no mood for reconciliation at the final whistle.

He said: “In my opinion, he’s not fit enough to play unless his attitude and record of missing training improves.

“If he keeps missing training like he does – then that will be the situation.

“He has just not turned off. The latest excuse was that his gates had stuck but he couldn’t jump over a fence that was four feet six inches high.

“There has been too much indiscipline at this club for way too long.

“Not in 20 years of management have I gone down this road of publicly shaming a player but I have to make a stand because I won’t put up with it. Not on my watch.

“I ask only one thing. When I tell them they are in, everyone else is in. How can I pick him when he doesn’t want to come training?

“It’s happened more than once. Everyone can have an excuse for one occasion but when it is more than that I will not accept it.”