SIMON GRAYSON is weighing up a move for Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack after warning the Sunderland players he has inherited to ‘shape up or get out’.

The Black Cats boss was disgusted by the manner of his team’s defending at St Johnstone on Saturday, when the Scottish Premier League side cruised to a 3-0 win.

There was disappointment for new signing James Vaughan too, after he missed a penalty on his first appearance at McDiarmid Park before last season’s defensive deficiencies kicked in.

Grayson has made adjustments to his squad so far, by adding Ty Browning and Brendan Galloway to his options at the back. Vaughan has arrived from Bury up front, while Aiden McGeady could be involved at Hartlepool on Tuesday after his move from Everton.

But the Sunderland manager knows he needs more additions, believing there will be further players leaving before the season begins next month. McCormack, a former Leeds and Fulham player, is in his sights.

Aston Villa are happy to listen to offers for him because Steve Bruce is looking to reduce the size of his squad and the Scotland international is a big earner. He arrived for £12m a couple of years ago and earns around £50,000-a-week.

Preston striker Jordan Hugill is a cheaper alternative who remains in Grayson’s thinking, but the warning from Scotland on Saturday from Grayson was for the players he is already working with to make improvements.

He said: “There’s certain players that are buying into the ideas and certain players that aren’t. If players are not willing to work hard for this shirt they can go somewhere else.”

Vaughan missed an early penalty when he was denied by goalkeeper Zander Clark after Jeremain Lens had been brought down in the box. Soon after that St Johnstone took the lead when Steven Maclean struck a low opener.

Within six minutes of that goal going in, Sunderland conceded two more when David Wotherspoon hit a double and it was that spell which really infuriated the Sunderland boss.

Brendan Galloway, one of Sunderland’s new recruits, had been enjoying himself up to that point, and, speaking before the latest friendly, he has enjoyed being part of the new set-up.

Galloway, who spent last season on loan at West Brom, said: “I am very excited to be here and it is a different type of challenge to what I have faced before.

“I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully there will be more ups and downs when you look at the team we have got. If we work hard we will get there.

“I learned last season that you have to get your head down, work hard, do extra things and stay focused because you never know if you will get the opportunity.

“I had to remain patient, that has made me stronger and hopefully it shapes me up well for the future.”