The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
McLean has world at his feet with cap quest
Dons: Reds midfielder aims to be part of Scots campaign
Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean is determined to play a part in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 24-year-old, who won his first cap in a friendly against the Czech Republic in March, is not in Gordon Strachan’s squad for the Group F opener in Malta on September 4.
But having experienced his first taste of senior international football, McLean wants to prove he is ready for a second cap by impressing for Aberdeen, starting this weekend when the Dons travel to Celtic Park to face the champions.
McLean said: “For any young player, playing for Scotland is always going to be an ambition.
“I know I need to be doing the right things at Aberdeen to get that recognition.
“I had a taste of it last season and it makes me want more.
“I know what I need to do at Aberdeen to get in the squad so it is going to be a big season for me.
“Hopefully I can keep improving under the manager and Tony Docherty. I feel I am getting better.
“I really need to kick on this season and get myself back in the squad.”
After the game against Malta, the qualifying campaign continues when Scotland take on Lithuania and Slovakia in an October double-header before an eagerly-anticipated trip to Wembley to face England on November 11.
McLean, the first Aberdeen player to be capped since Chris Maguire came on as a substitute against the Republic of Ireland in May 2011, added: “It is an exciting time for Scottish football.
“We nearly made it to the Euros and the manager has put a good squad together. We all know there is competition for places and everyone is trying to get in that squad.
“Playing in a World Cup would be massive for any player so to have that opportunity would be great.
“I feel I am becoming a better player. I have to try to keep improving.
“Every young player has that ambition to play for their national team and I am no different. I want to keep getting better and striving to get in the squad.”
“I had a taste of it last season and it makes you want more”