The Central Coast Mariners look set to lose Ross McCormack, with the Aston Villa striker unlikely to return to the A-League.

McCormack, who is on a one-year loan deal with the Mariners, returned to his parent club for treatment on a knee injury earlier this month.

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey had been hopeful the 32-year-old would be fit for tonight’s New Year’s Eve clash with Perth Glory, but according to reports McCormack is chasing another loan deal in Scotland and hasn’t returned to Australia.

Ross McCormack is unlikely to return to the A-League.

He was spotted watching his former side Motherwell play in Scotland over the weekend, with the UK Daily Mail reporting he wants to end his deal with the Mariners and sign for Motherwell on loan.

It’s another blow for Mulvey’s struggling Mariners side, who have gone more than 300 days without a win.