‘We could have scored five or six’ – City midfielder happy with triumph over Toulouse in final friendly
Kenny McLean is congratulated on his long-range striker against Toulouse Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
A dominant performance against French top-flight opposition boosted spirits ahead of Norwich City’s high-profile Premier League opener at Liverpool, with goal-scorer Kenny McLean disappointed the winning margin was only 1-0 against Toulouse.
There were a host of chances for the Canaries, including Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell both going close on three occasions, Ben Godfrey having a header disallowed for offside and Emi Buendia clattering a post.
It was Scotland international McLean who did find the net though, rifling in a low effort from 25 yards after being found in space by a fine Buendia pass in the 39th minute.
"On another day we could have taken four or five more chances," said McLean. "It was a good team performance, everybody is showing quality at the right time, going into the season.
"On another day we could have scored five or six, we know that, so a bit disappointing on the score-line but we got back to winning ways and it was a good run-out for everybody."
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Bouncing back from a 4-1 loss to top Italian side Atalanta in midweek - a result which wasn't particularly reflective of the game as a contest - was very welcome ahead of Friday's televised game at Anfield.
And despite last season's top scorer Pukki failing to take any of his chances in those games, McLean isn't worried about the Finland international before the real action begins.
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"Teemu had a few chances and we know what his qualities are," the Scot said. "Maybe it was just an off day for him in front of goal, but on another day I'm more than confident that he'll take a couple of them.
"We could have scored more goals, we know we could have been more clinical, it's just one of those things.
"In terms of team performance it was excellent and getting back to winning ways after a disappointing result, albeit a friendly, which is good."
MATCHDAY RECAP: Norwich City 1 Toulouse 0 - McLean strike earns win in final friendly
Now the former Aberdeen favourite is expecting the competition for places to really ramp up during training this week, after several strong performances from Daniel Farke's players.
"We've been very professional in our work leading up to every game," he added. "It's been excellent leading up to this game because we knew this was our last test and throughout training the standards raise knowing how close we are to the start of the season.
"There's competition for places, we've got an excellent squad, everybody has competition for their place. That's what the manager has set out to do and I think that brings the best out of everybody."
