Kenneth McLean

Kenneth McLean’s career is defined by a stoppage-time goal from the halfway line against Denmark in November 2025, a strike that helped secure Scotland’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was named Player of the Season in the 2023–24 campaign.

His path to the professional game began at Rangers’ youth academy before he moved to St Mirren. It was in Paisley that McLean made his senior debut in 2009, a breakthrough that coincided with a loan spell at Arbroath. He established himself as a reliable presence in the centre of the park, contributing to St Mirren’s Scottish League Cup victory in the 2012–13 season. His performances earned him the SPL Young Player of the Month award in October 2011, marking him as one of the brighter prospects in the league at the time.

A move to Aberdeen in 2015 followed, where he spent three years developing his game further before a transfer to Norwich City in January 2018. Initially returning to Aberdeen on loan for the remainder of the 2017–18 season, McLean eventually settled in Norfolk. He was part of the squad that won the EFL Championship in the 2018–19 season, securing promotion to the Premier League.

Internationally, McLean has earned 61 caps for Scotland since his debut in March 2016, scoring three goals. He won his 50th cap against Greece in March 2025, cementing his status as a regular in the national setup. Alongside his senior appearances, he has represented Scotland at Under-21 and Under-19 levels.