Kenny McLean is determined to make a significant impact upon his return to Norwich City after a summer marred by injury setbacks. The Scotland international last featured for the Canaries in a 4-2 victory against Cardiff City in May, and since then, he has been focused on rehabilitation following surgery on his troublesome ankle.
After two unsuccessful cortisone injections, McLean opted for surgery to resolve the ongoing issue. Throughout his recovery, he has remained a familiar face at the training ground, engaging in one-on-one sessions with head coach Liam Manning. "The manager has been great. He's sat down with me and I've asked him questions about why he does certain things and why he sees the benefit in things," McLean shared in an interview with BBC Radio Norfolk. "That's just me seeking to know everything he wants and hopefully I can deliver that as well as possible when I'm back." Read more about Darling Targets More Goals After Promising Start at Norwich.
As Norwich City embarks on a new chapter under Manning, McLean is eager to align himself with the evolving team ethos. He acknowledged the high expectations set by the coaching staff, stating, "The demands are high and if they're not being met, you'll know about it and they'll tell you what you need to do to be better." Such an environment, he believes, is vital for both personal and collective growth. Read more about Rowe Set for Bologna Move as Norwich Eye Transfer Boost.
Having joined from Aberdeen in January 2018, McLean is the longest-serving player at the club, with 265 appearances to his name. With his contract running until the end of the season, plus an option for an additional year, he is keen to help Norwich improve upon their disappointing 13th-place finish in the Championship last season.
"There’s real optimism around the place," he noted. "The fans seem excited about the signings we’re making, which puts expectations on us, which we want to carry. We want to deliver on that expectation." The Canaries began their season with a 2-1 loss to Millwall but bounced back with a promising 2-1 victory against Portsmouth. Although sidelined, McLean has been closely following the team's performances. "I’m pretty emotional when watching games. I just can’t sit at peace because you’re not in control of anything, and it becomes pretty difficult," he admitted. Read more about Manning Demands Right-Back Clarity as Competition Intensifies.
McLean's commitment to understanding the new tactical framework has been evident. "I’ve done a lot of work on the way the team want to play, watching games back, speaking to the manager a lot about what he wants from the team, from me." His focus extends beyond personal recovery to fostering a positive atmosphere within the club.
Regarding his recuperation, McLean remains optimistic. "It’s four weeks since I got the surgery, and I think the timescale was about five weeks for returning to training, so I’m feeling good." He reflected on the frustrating journey to recovery, stating, "If we went this way first time round, I’d be fit, but obviously surgery is a last resort."
At 33, McLean believes he still has much to offer. "I still feel really good within myself, even being 33. As soon as people reach 30, they think they’re on the way down, but I genuinely feel very well within myself, and I think I can still contribute a lot to the team and the club."
As Norwich City transitions into this new era, McLean’s experience and leadership will be crucial as they strive for a successful campaign. The atmosphere around Carrow Road is charged with anticipation, with hopes that their veteran midfielder will soon return to enhance the team's ambitions.