McLean could miss start of season with ankle issue

Norwich City boss Liam Manning says captain Kenny McLean is due to find out if he needs surgery for an ankle issue that could see him miss the start of the Championship season.

The midfielder has returned to the UK from the side's pre-season camp in the Netherlands and is set to see a specialist to see if he requires surgical intervention to resolve the injury.

"It's been on and off for a short period. It's flared up, we've tried to settle it and reintroduce him and he's not comfortable with it," Manning told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"It doesn't seem to be going away with everything that's been tried."

If McLean were to miss the beginning of the season, it raises questions on who their new head coach would choose to wear the captain's armband.

Forward Josh Sargent took on the role during their 1-1 pre-season draw with Belgian side Zulte Waregem but has been linked with a move away, while the 39-year-old manager would "contemplate" giving it to 19-year-old midfielder Jacob Wright.

Manning is no stranger to young captaincy appointments, giving the armband to Jason Knight, 24, at his previous club Bristol City last season.

"I think [Jacob] has a terrific voice already for someone so young in the changing room," Manning said.

"At my previous club, I made someone quite young captain so it's not something I've not done before and afraid to do.

"At the minute, it's Kenny. Until we get close to the season, I'll make a decision nearer then."

Listen to the full interview with Liam Manning and more on The Scrimmage.