McLean would relish De Bruyne double-header

KENNY McLEAN has had a testing start to the season for both Norwich and Scotland.

Still, the Canaries midfielder would relish the opportunity for two more duels against Kevin De Bruyne within the next week.

Arguably Scotland’s most accomplished operator away to Belgium in June, McLean (right) was a 62nd-minute substitute for James Forrest in Friday’s 2-1 loss to Russia.

He admits life is about to become even more difficult when the world’s No 1-ranked nation visits Hampden tomorrow.

Five days later, McLean renews rivalry with on-form De Bruyne when Premier League champions Manchester City visit Norwich.

All this after McLean started on opening night at Anfield as Liverpool coasted to a 4-1 victory — and came off the bench as his top-flight newcomers were edged out 3-2 by Chelsea at home. ‘Personally it’s been excellent, it’s been tough,’ said McLean of his early Premier League experiences. ‘The step-up from the Championship is different, there’s no doubt about that. ‘It’s an unbelievable experience to play in the Premier League and we are there on merit. We’ve had an okay start in terms of our displays. ‘It’s Manchester City next which isn’t going to be easy, but it will be exciting. We have a few Scottish boys who play in the league and that’s good for the nation.

‘Liverpool was a tough start. Going to Anfield was the deep end but we had to go there at some point. I think we came out of that with credit.

‘And I think coming up against a high level of player will help me when it comes to Scotland.

‘I got a taste of that in Belgium at the end of last season. The difference is that one mistake will punish you. You can’t afford to make any. Russia have quality. They hurry mistakes out of you, so we need to be switched on going forward.

‘Friday was tough but Monday night is going to be even tougher.

‘There is no covering it, no hiding place.

‘We’ve put ourselves in a tough situation and it’s only ourselves who can get out of it. Belgium are the best team in the world for a reason — they have unbelievable quality throughout the squad.

‘However, it’s up to us to go out and perform as we know we can.’