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And another! Midfielder the latest to sign new Norwich City deal
Kenny McLean takes a lift from Grant Hanley as Norwich City celebrate their Championship title success at Villa Park. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Kenny McLean has become the latest of Norwich City’s Championship winners to sign a new contract ahead of their Premier League career bow.
Temporary 'mayor of Norwich' Kenny McLean enjoys the civic reception celebrations following Norwich City's Premier League return as English Football League champions. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
The 27-year-old Scotland international has put his signature on a new three-year deal, extending his commitment to the Canaries until the summer of 2022.
And McLean's rise is an impressive one since joining from Aberdeen for an initial two and a half years in January 2018, six months before his Dons contract was set to expire - and where he returned on loan for the rest of the 2017-18 season.
"It was obviously a very exciting season and it will live long in the memory - I was so proud to be a part of it," said McLean.
"To be here for another three years is excellent for me. I feel I've settled in really well to the club and the city, and there are now exciting times ahead.
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"There's no doubt last season was the highlight of my career so far. I think you could see the joy throughout the whole city - it was amazing to be a part of.
"It will be something that I'm sure everybody will remember for a long time. Hopefully, there's more special moments and memories to come, but the end of the season there was the pinnacle of my career.
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"The start to the season really made me and it brought me back hungrier and desperate to be a part of the squad. It was frustrating being out but excellent watching the lads play. They were achieving special results and going on special unbeaten runs.
"I just wanted so much to be a part of it and it made me work much harder when I was injured. When I got my chance, thankfully I took it and I managed to get over the line."
Kenny McLean's brace against Bristol City proved a crucial one for Norwich City's Championship campaign - and now he has been rewarded with a new contract. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
The Scot made 22 appearances in his first term with Daniel Farke's side - despite missing four months of a memorable campaign with an ankle injury - with 19 of his outings coming after his long-awaited return to the side in the new year.
Of his three goals, two came in a crucial win at home to Bristol City and the third set City on their way to victory at Rotherham United.
Now McLean and the rest of the Canaries squad can start to look forward to their Premier League campaign, which kicks off at European champions Liverpool on Friday, August 9.
He added: "We're going to go there with the confidence that we've shown all season. We've been excellent and we know it's going to be tough in the Premier League.
"There won't be many tougher games than our opening fixture. It's one we'll enjoy and one that no one wants to miss out on.
"We needed a break but after a few weeks, you do miss coming to Colney every day and being around the boys.
"Everyone is desperate to get back now and start working. Pre-season is the part you dread but you know how important it is. Last season, it stood us in good stead for the year and hopefully, it will do the same this year."
McLean's new deal follows similar for Timm Klose, Tim Krul, Michael McGovern, Marco Stiepermann and most recently, Onel Hernandez.
It also comes alongside reports high-rated young centre-back Ben Godfrey is on the brink of signing a new five-year deal with the Canaries, potentially keeping him at Norwich until the summer of 2024 - and effectively a year's extension to his current deal that includes a 12-month option in the club's favour.
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