So bottom line Rangers are in for Kenny McLean, Norwich’s 32-year-old midfielder with around 68 Premier League appearances.
Not much less than Jack Butland, and he’s turned out ok…
Ibrox Noise never really thought as badly of McLean as many Rangers fans did – we wanted him some years ago, and it didn’t come to pass, and there’s little doubt that he is, on paper, the calibre of player Rangers want and need.
In truth, this would be the kind of signing Walter Smith would have made – a solid, Scottish player who might not be mega-glamorous but won’t let the team down and can certainly do a job.
Arguably, Connor Barron is another Walter-style addition, albeit he has his whole career in front of him.
McLean?
Well, for those who say he isn’t good enough, the only player Rangers have signed in recent years to have more than 50 Premier League appearances is Butland – McLean has 68, and even Allan McGregor didn’t that many. 52. Cantwell? 45.
Are we now saying around 70 Premier League outings isn’t good enough for our club?
Given all the Championship dross we’ve taken on in recent years, McLean is a big upgrade – he’s experienced with his country, experienced in the PL, and he was also voted Norwich’s player of the season last campaign.
He definitely isn’t the worst player we could add.
There is also the Rangers part.
And that’s the bit where McLean is absolutely 100% one of us. We spoke recently how we badly need to bring in some Rangers men to this club again, some Rangers-oriented players who know what Rangers mean. The response was an emphatic agreement.
Well McLean does – he’s wanted to play for Rangers all his career, saying two years ago:
“In the past, there has been more than just talk (about joining Rangers). It’s never materialised into anything. If you’re brought up and that’s who you support, then of course I would. My family would be over the moon.”
So yes, this would be his dream, and his family’s dream.
He’s a Rangers-supporting Premier League level Scotland international.
No wonder Steve Clarke has no real interest in him…