Norwich City have a ‘special’ talent in Emi Buendia, according to his team-mate Kenny McLean.

The Scot benefitted from the Argentine midfielder's vision during the Canaries' final friendly when Buendia picked him out with a fine pass, allowing McLean the space to score a 25-yard shot which earned a 1-0 win over Toulouse.

The 22-year-old scored eight goals and assisted a further 18 during a brilliant debut campaign in English football and is set to play am imfluential role again this season.

"I can't speak highly enough of him," the Scotland international midfielder said. "He's still young, he's still learning, he's getting better. The hard work that he puts in, we've got the pleasure of having him here.

"We've got a lot of young, exciting players in the squad, I could name five or six, but he is special.

"I'm looking forward to playing with him this season and hopefully he can shine on the biggest stage."

Stepping up to the Premier League is of course a big deal for McLean as well, having only started playing for Norwich last summer, after initially returning to Aberdeen on loan.

"When I got this opportunity it was quite an easy decision actually," the 27-year-old reflected. "Did I know I was going to be in the Premier League 18 months later?! I didn't - but when I came in and I saw the foundations that were here and the way the club worked, I knew it was always the ambition.

"Everybody behind the scenes, throughout this club, has worked hard to get to the Premier League and we're here now. We've earned the right to be here and it's something everybody is looking forward to."

MORE: McLean can't wait for City's high-profile clash with Liverpool

It all starts at Liverpool on Friday night but, as ever, head coach Daniel Farke can only name 11 players in his starting line-up - leading to disappointment for some of his players.

McLean added: "The thing is here that everybody is good enough to play, that's the big thing, we've got 22 in the squad who are good enough for that starting jersey.

"It's a great headache for the manager to have, picking that starting team. I'm sure it will be a tough decision but whoever is picked, I'm sure the ones who aren't involved will push the boys.

"And that brings the best out of the ones in the jersey because you know if you have an off day, if you don't work as hard during the week, then there is someone there waiting to take that position, which is excellent."