McLean jumps to defence of McBurnie

KENNY McLean last night launched a defence of his close f r i e n d O l i v e r McBurnie in the wake of the criticism the Scotland striker received after playing for Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

Members of the Tartan Army were incensed when McBurnie came on at half- time in the Bramall Lane club’s pre- season friendly against Derby County at the iPro Stadium.

The nine- times capped player had pulled out of Steve Clarke’s squad for the Nations League matches against Israel and the Czech Republic two days earlier due to injury.

Some outraged supporters called for the 24- year- old, who last summer was sold by Swansea City for £ 20m, not to be selected again.

Clarke issued a statement in response to the online outcry that explained the forward, who has been struggling with a foot injury, wasn’t fit to play in an international match.

And Norwich City midfielder McLean has confirmed McBurnie, who he travels up to his native Glasgow with to watch Rangers games, couldn’t have featured in the forthcoming fixtures.

“I think the people giving him stick don’t really know the whole story, they don’t know the position he’s been in,” McLean, who yesterday extended his deal with the Canaries to 2023, said. “I’ve been speaking to him a lot in the last few weeks and he’s been struggling with an injury.

“He’s had a season, a couple of weeks off and then he’s not done anything for I don’t know how long. The manager said he spoke to Sheffield United about his situation and he’s not fit enough to play a qualifier for Scotland and that’s it.

“He played in a pre- season game for Sheffield United after one day’s training. I think if he came away, played Friday and didn’t look fit he’d get even more stick. He’s done the right thing, he’s trying to get himself fit.”