Kenny McLean ruled out of Euro 2020 following knee injury

Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean has been ruled out of Euro 2020 after Norwich confirmed the full extent of his knee injury.

McLean said he was “absolutely devastated” the damage he sustained in Saturday’s final Championship game of the season at Barnsley has ruled him out for three months.

“Absolutely devastated to have picked up an injury that will mean I’ll miss the Euros,” the 29-year-old tweeted.

“Lots of hard work to come and I’ll be supporting the lads from afar.”

Absolutely devastated to have picked up an injury that will mean I'll miss the Euros. Lots of hard work to come and I'll be supporting the lads from afar pic.twitter.com/gNon5yaeUx
— Kenny McLean (@kennymclean66) May 11, 2021

Norwich said on their official website that scans had revealed significant damage to the medial collateral ligament in McLean’s right knee.

“Kenny McLean is set to be out of action for a period of 12 weeks following confirmation of a knee ligament injury,” Norwich said.

“McLean will now undergo further assessment with an orthopaedic consultant to ascertain a management and rehabilitation plan for the injury.”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: “I’m really disappointed for Kenny. He has been excellent this season for Norwich, playing an important role in winning the Championship and securing their return to the Premier League.

“His performances for the national team during my time in charge have always been to a good level and Kenny is a player I know I can rely on. The composure he demonstrated to score two crucial penalties in the Play-Off matches sums up his temperament and I am confident that will play a big role in his recovery from this setback.

“Ultimately, his long-term fitness is the most important thing right now, but we all wish Kenny a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him get back playing as soon as possible.”

The former St Mirren and Aberdeen midfielder was forced out of Norwich’s 2-2 draw at Barnsley early in the second half after being denied by a sliding challenge in the penalty box.

He reappeared on the Oakwell pitch wearing a knee brace and using crutches as he and his team-mates collected the Championship trophy.

McLean made his senior debut for Scotland against the Czech Republic in March 2016 and has made a total of 20 appearances, scoring one goal.

He featured in all three of Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers in March, starting in the 4-0 win against the Faroe Islands at Hampden Park.

Scotland begin their Euro 2020 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 14.