Euro tie is focus for me
Kenny McLean insists he can force his way into Scotland’s ultra- tough midfield for the Euro play-off tie against Israel.
Gaffer Steve Clarke and his players may have to wait until next year to grab their chance at glory.
But Norwich playmaker McLean insists the squad are ready to grasp the chance to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
And despite going up against the likes of John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay, Stuar t Armstrong, Ryan Jack and the emerging Bil ly Gilmour, McLean feels he’s good enough to start.
He said: “The whole country is looking forward to the play-off games.
“It’s a massive chance for us to get to the finals, which we haven’t done in a long time. The quality we’ve got is definitely enough to beat the teams we’re up against.
“And we know how big it would be if we got to the Euros – it would give everyone a lift.
“I need to be confident in my ability to get into the team. I always back myself but I know the quality we’ve got in there now.
“The midfield is so strong, the strongest part of our team for a while now.
“The manager’s got a good headache and whether I’m chosen or not, I’ll give everything.”
McLean has performed well for the Canaries while McGinn is another who has impressed at Aston Villa.
McLean said: “It shows there’s talent in Scotland and that our players are capable of playing in the Premier League.
“Scotland is in good health right now when you look at the players we have down here.
“Steve has some exciting talent to choose from.”