McLean studies Manning methods ahead of comeback

Kenny McLean last played for Norwich in a 4-2 win over Cardiff City in May

Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean is determined to hit the ground running when he returns to action for Norwich City in the near future.

The 33-year-old had surgery over the summer after two injections to try to alleviate an ankle problem failed to bring about the desired result.

During rehab though, McLean has been watching training every day and having regular one-to-ones with Liam Manning to ensure he is fully in tune with the new head coach's expectations and ways of working.

"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 and that's just me seeking (to know) everything he wants and hopefully I can deliver that as well as possible when I'm back," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"He'll pull players (aside) individually quite often. The demands are high and if they're not being met, you'll know about it and they'll [coaching staff] tell you what you need to do to be better.

"They've been quite vocal on that. But their job is to improve every player as much as they can and get the team playing as well as they can and that's what they're striving for."

McLean is Norwich's longest-serving player, having made 265 appearances for the club since signing from Aberdeen in January 2018.

His contract runs to the end of this season but there is an option for a further 12 months beyond that.

McLean was a member of two Norwich sides promoted to the Premier League under Daniel Farke and is hopeful they can do far better this season after finishing 13th in the Championship in 2024-25.

"There's real optimism around the place," he said. "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.

"It's up to us to keep that optimism in and around the city and stadium."

Norwich began the season with a 2-1 home defeat by Millwall, but bounced back to beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park by the same score and McLean is keeping a close eye on their progress.

He said: "I'm pretty emotional and I get so involved when I'm watching games, I just can't sit at peace because you're not in control of anything and it becomes pretty difficult.

"But 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.

"The first game of the season wasn't ideal but the fans have got a lot to be excited about. The way we saw that game (at Portsmouth) out, it was like a lot of these lads have been playing in this league for a long time."

Despite his injury setback, McLean believes he will be as good as ever when he is ready to return to action.

He added: "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 and we'll see how things go over the next week or so.

"I tried a couple of injections over the summer which just didn't work. That's the frustrating part, if we went this way first time round, I'd be fit but obviously surgery is a last resort.

"I know I've had this minor setback but I still feel really good within myself, even being 33. As soon as people reach 30 people 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."