McLean returns but Clement demands more City leaders

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0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Kenny McLean's timely return will help Norwich City fill their leadership void, but Philippe Clement insists they must find other captains within their young ranks to ease their Championship troubles.

The Scotland international has trained and is fit enough to feature at Charlton after shaking off an ankle injury, although Clement confirmed he is not yet ready to complete 90 minutes.

McLean's calming presence provides a welcome boost as City look to arrest a five-game losing streak in South East London, but Clement knows they cannot place all of that responsibility on the shoulders of the 34-year-old.

"Not yet, and we know that in the club we talk about that also, but we're developing that also. There are players stepping up and taking more responsibility and it was necessary also," Clement admitted.

"Last season Kenny was on the pitch sometimes maybe too dominant in that way but you had also several who were playing less. Let's say the Emi Marcondes of this world who were not playing that much but were in the dressing room. Pushing the story to keeping young guys sometimes their emotions under control.

"Now more and more players are learning this and learning along the way. Of course if you win more games it's less of work to do and now it's more work to do but they're learning in a positive way because I saw a really good reaction again in training."

McLean's importance has been shown during Norwich's three games without him, but it is the responsibility placed on him beyond his individual performances that Clement wants to address.

At 34, the midfielder cannot remain City's sole source of authority indefinitely, particularly within a squad deliberately constructed around younger players.

"It's the reason why he's been a captain here for so long also," he said. "There's a reason also that I wanted to bring him to Rangers, that moment, because you hear the stories also in the national team from players, how he is as a personality.

Clement is hoping to find more leaders to ease the burden on McLean within his Norwich City squad, (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"So, of course, it's an important thing, but we need to see also, Kenny will not play the next 10 years here in the club, so other players need to step up also. That can help him now and in the years to come, as long as he's playing here, to help him.

"Because last season, for example, during that period and during the good run, Kenny lost also a lot of energy, one moment that he had to do a lot of things alone, and there were not many people around him to help him.

"So we need to create more of that. We have several leaders in the group who can unite and do things with the group and give the confidence and the coach on the pitch."