'He couldn't breathe' - Thorup on McLean

Johannes Hoff Thorup said Kenny McLean had to be withdrawn due to breathing problems

Norwich City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup explained skipper Kenny McLean's late withdrawal from his team as they lost 1-0 at home to Preston North End.

McLean was initially named in the starting XI and Carrow Road but had to be withdrawn shortly before kick-off after suffering breathing problems.

The Dane told BBC Radio Norfolk: "Kenny had to go out which is never ideal for us because he is so important, for the way we play and the group's experience. He has been ill but was OK yesterday, but felt in the warm-up he couldn't really breathe."

On his team's performance, he said: "My most important role is to make sure that they (the players) still know there is big belief in them because they are doing well. There will be ups and downs.

"We didn't really find the rhythm and flow. We know they are a physical team, and their game plan is so much about duels and tackles, and a hard fight to kill the flow in the game and we prepared for that, but it's hard.

"With some new faces in there they have to catch up with the rhythm and flow, and with Borja (Sainz) back after six games he also has to catch up."