Kit Symons has reacted to speculation linking Ross McCormack with a move away from Fulham, insisting the striker is staying at Craven Cottage.
Eyebrows were raised in the summer when the relegated capital club agreed to pay £11million for the Scotland international, who scored 28 goals in 46 league games for Leeds United last season. It took the 28-year-old until September to register his first Championship goal for his new employers, when he netted twice in a 5-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest, and has since taken his tally to 12 in all competitions.
The former Rangers youngster has in recent days been linked with a loan move to Derby County, who are hoping to sign a new striker to aid their quest for promotion to the Premier League. It was suggested that the Rams, coached by former England boss Steve McClaren, wanted to take McCormack on an initial loan deal for the rest of the season, but Symons insists there is no chance he will let the player leave.
“There will always be interest in Ross as he’s a very good player,” he said. “But he won’t be going anywhere and we certainly won’t be letting him go out on loan as was mooted in some areas of the press. He’s worked his socks off ever since he’s been here and that’s one of the reasons why our fans love him so much. He’s a talented, quality player but he’ll give you that work rate as well which is a great combination to have.”
It is certainly understandable why Fulham wouldn’t consider letting McCormack leave as they battle against a second successive relegation. The Londoners have lost six of their last 10 matches, winning just once during this period and drawing three times. A Matt Smith equaliser gave them a point at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, yet they are fifth-bottom of the table and just six points above the drop zone.
