The Scotsman was signed by City on a loan deal from Aston Villa, as an injury replacement for striker Bruno Fornaroli before the season started.

The 31-year-old has now played three games and scored his first goal for City in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.

And McCormack has hailed the suprising standard of the A-League.

“Technically it’s better than what I thought it was going to be,” McCormack said today.

“When people back home found out I was coming to Australia they said, ‘You’ll score loads over there’. It’s not that easy, it doesn’t work like that and there are some good players in this league.

“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s tough with the time differences and I think the pitches are a lot harder out here as well.”

McCormack enjoyed playing games and scoring for Leeds United and Fulham before joining Villa, however he admits it was no secret it hasn’t worked with the Birmingham-based giants.

The 31-year-old has also battled with an Achilles Tendinitis injury in the past 18 months.

And he said his aim was to put a smile back on his face.

“It’s been difficult last year since I went to Villa, it’s just good to come into training every day to feel a part of the group with a chance of playing,” he said.

“It gives you confidence within the group you’re actually affecting football matches.

“Since I’ve come to this club, the lads and staff have been different class. It’s been so easy to settle in and that’s been a really good thing for me.

“My first game here was my first start in seven months so it’s a good feeling to be part of a squad again.”

McCormack has also been battling an Achilles tendonitis problem for over the past year.

He said he enjoyed having a load off his shoulders in the A-League.

“The problem is if you play in England, there are games on Tuesday and Saturday every week,” McCormack said.

“Now I’m not going to do anything for three days, you don’t really have that time in England to plan ahead.”