Redfearn: McCormack will be Leeds United hit

Ross McCormack has sent manager Simon Grayson a message – don’t worry about Billy Paynter’s suspension, I’m ready to go.

Striker Paynter picked up a three-match ban after being sent off in Leeds’ 2-0 defeat by Sheffield United at the weekend but, if McCormack has his way, Paynter could be kicking his heels much longer.

The Scot fired home four goals in the reserves’ 6-0 demolition of Hartlepool and reserve boss Neil Redfearn admitted: “He was almost unplayable at times."

The 25-year-old striker has only made four first-team starts and 12 substitute appearances since joining Leeds from Cardiff last summer and has yet to score at that level.

But Redfearn is convinced that McCormack’s form against Hartlepool is no fluke.

“There have been times in the last three or four games when he’s been like that. It will give him confidence. He knows that if he goes back in the first team he’ll soon break his duck.”