The Cardiff City striker lines up again against Swansea City at the Liberty tomorrow thinking back to the games at the Liberty last season.
McCormack is in for the suspended Michael Chopra and knows the intensity of derby day can create an atmosphere and believes that the one at the Liberty last season exceeded anything he had experienced before – including Celtic v Rangers.
McCormack told the Western Mail “Tomorrow’s match is a massive chance. The gaffer (Dave Jones) 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, personally and, more importantly, for the team. Even if my fitness wasn’t up to scratch, which it is, adrenalin would carry me through.
“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.
“The atmosphere was the keenest I have experienced as a player.
“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 youngster.
“I have no doubt – Cardiff v Swansea matches have a better atmosphere then the Old Firm games.
“We thought we were unlucky in the two league matches against Swansea last season, particularly at the Liberty.
“We were 2-1 ahead when Stephen McPhail was sent off. That stopped us and they came into it more.
“In our home match we outplayed them for chunky periods, although towards the end we were fortunate and earned a penalty. Generally, though, I don’t think many people would have begrudged us two wins.”