Del tips Kenny for success

DEREK McINNES reckons Kenny McLean is on a path that will see him become one of Norwich’s most influential players.

The Aberdeen manager shook hands with the midfielder after Sunday’s win against Celtic at Parkhead and wished him well in the English Championship as the Canaries bid to fight for a place in the Premier league once more.

McLean joined the Carrow Road club in January but was loaned back to the Dons for the remainder of the season.

Now he aims to take his game to a higher level, just as James Maddison did after his spell at Pittodrie in the first part of the 2016-17 season.

Maddison 21, has seen his value soar to £10million thanks to his Norwich form in the Championship.

And McInnes said: “It’s a brilliant signing for Norwich and a brilliant move for Kenny as well.

“He was St Mirren’s best BY FRANK GILFEATHER player when he came to me and he has arguably turned into our best player.

“He will go to prove exactly the same thing with Norwich by becoming one their most reliable players.”

Voted Aberdeen’s Players’ Player of the Year, ex-Buddie McLean was snapped up by Norwich for £300,000 six months before the end of the season.

His performances have also been recognised by Scotland gaffer Alex McLeish, who has named him in his squad for the upcoming friendlies in Peru and Mexico.

And McInnes insists the 26-year-old has what it takes to make an impact south of the border as Maddison has done.

The Dons gaffer said: “James was always one who was seen from an early age as a player everyone was getting excited about.

“His technique makes him a diamond of a player as it’s lovely to watch the way he handles the ball.”