McCormack ready for the task in hand

Last updated : 06 November 2009 By Michael Morris
This will be the Scotsman's first start since the match at Blackpool in August that saw him suffer a hamstring injury which ruled him out for nealry two months.

McCormack comes in for the suspended Michael Chopra and will assist Jay Bothroyd in attack (providing jay himself is fit).

"Tomorrow's match is a massive chance," McCormack told the Echo.

"The gaffer talked to me after the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest and said 'Get ready - you will be playing against Swansea'.

"It's a big match, both personally and, more importantly, for the team.

"Even if my fitness wasn't up to scratch, which it is, adrenalin would carry me through."

McCormack says he's 100% committed to Cardiff City after early season transfer talk. Before his injury McCormack was being linked with a move away after it emerged a 'transfer request' had been handed in.

"I said at the time and the chairman (Peter Ridsdale) also said there was never a transfer request. It was a simple conversation. That was it.

"I simply asked what would happen if a Premier League club asked about me. It was never about Cardiff City - I love playing for this club - it was about my desire to compete in the Premier League.

"Basically, most boys in the changing room have said at one time or another that if a Premier League comes in for them they would like to take up the offer.

"So this was a conversation blown out of all proportion.

"I still want to play at Premier level. And I believe I will do that with this club.

"I've always maintained I am happy at Cardiff City. My fiancee and I are looking for a house and we are both really settled here."

The whole week has seen the fan forums and messageboards talk of little else but tomorrow's game. Bragging rights are at stake and the chance to lord it over the opposition if you win.

The atmosphere promises to be hostile tomorrow. Ross has experienced it here last season and talks about it in comparision with the old firm.

Were you shocked at the rivalry between Swansea and Cardiff?

"Yes, it was a shock," he replied.

"I'm good mates with Joe Ledley and he was always telling me how big it was.

"He said there is a lot of hatred between the two sets of fans, but I didn't expect anything like the atmosphere on that day."

McCormack started two of the matches against Swansea City last season and was among the substitutes for the third.

"The atmosphere at those matches was the keenest I have experienced as a player," said McCormack.

"I truly mean that - and I've been involved in Old Firm games, internationals, European Champions League matches and more.

"Swansea v Cardiff was right up there with the best, if not better.

"These days Rangers v Celtic seems to have calmed down a bit.

"The atmosphere is not as good as it was maybe five or 10 years ago when I went to those matches as a kid. I have no doubt Cardiff v Swansea matches have a better atmosphere then the Old Firm games."

Swansea v Cardiff - Saturday 12:45pm

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