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Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Norwich City star explains why Euro 2020 pain won't fuel World Cup dream

Kenny McLean says missing out on last summer's Euro 2020 competition isn't the key factor behind his desire to reach this winter's World Cup.

The Norwich City midfielder came off the bench in last week's 1-1 draw with Poland and is in line to take on Austria on Tuesday.

After winning promotion to the Premier League last year with the Canaries, he suffered a cruel knee injury which ruled him out of action.

His spot-kicks saw Scotland go through to the Euros after play-off wins against Israel and Serbia but they aren't in his head when trying to reach Qatar this winter.

McLean - from Cambuslang - hopes Scotland make it through play-off matches with Ukraine and Wales, with his help playing a small part.

The 30-year-old said: “It was obviously a disappointment. I would have loved to have been there and I envied the lads who were there playing for Scotland.

"But I don’t think I need any more motivation to go to the World Cup. It’s the World Cup – it speaks for itself.

“The disappointment of missing out on the Euros will always be there, but when going to a World Cup is at stake, you don’t need too much extra motivation.

“Everybody is desperate to get to it, not just me. We are going to do all we can to be there.”

McLean reached his 25th cap for the country in last week's draw with Poland, adding: "Getting to 25 is a bit of a milestone and I’d like to think there will be some more to come.

“I’m no spring chicken, but I do think I’ve got a bit left in me and still have something to offer the group, so we’ll see how far I can go.”

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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