ROSS McCormack says the prospect of playing alongside Robbie Fowler was one of the main reasons he left Motherwell for Cardiff City over the weekend.
McCormack, who made his Scotland debut in the friendly against the Czech Republic on 30 May following a highly successful season at Fir Park, had been a target for clubs in the Barclays Premier League. The 21-year-old had held talks with Wigan and No
ttingham Forest but has agreed to join Cardiff in the Coca-Cola Championship after reaching the end of his contract with Motherwell.
"I'm excited to be joining a big club who are going places – I couldn't turn the move down," said McCormack. "I spoke to Forest but then Cardiff heard I was available. They thought I had signed a pre-contract at Wigan, but when they were alerted to the situation they offered me a deal.
"It basically came down to either of those two because I decided I had more chance of playing in the Championship every week.
"Colin Calderwood at Forest really impressed me, he was a top guy. He took time out to show me around the club and the city. I appreciated that and it was a tough decision for me. But I just felt more attracted to Cardiff.
Motherwell had feared they would lose McCormack after his eye-catching displays last season. He was a regular Scotland Under-21 international before being handed his senior chance by manager George Burley last month.
McCormack, who began his career with Rangers before moving on to Motherwell in 2006, netted 11 goals last season as Mark McGhee's men exceeded expectations by qualifying for the Uefa Cup. Middlesbrough were another club to take note of his recent performances, however Cardiff manager Dave Jones and chairman Peter Ridsdale managed to sway the youngster. As did the thought of training with Fowler.
"I'm convinced I've made the right move to come here," added McCormack. "After speaking with the manager and chairman my mind was made up.
"The chance to train and play with Robbie tipped it in Cardiff's favour. It's an absolute dream to have the chance of playing with him. I've looked up to him since he was at Liverpool. I haven't spoken to Robbie yet, but hopefully I'll get to do that next week when I start training.
"He's the ultimate goalscorer and I remember watching him on TV. I watched Robbie in awe and used to wish I could play like him. It will be an honour to be alongside him."
Cardiff also announced that Scotland full-back Kevin McNaughton has agreed a new three-year contract.
The full article contains 447 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
