Kenny McLean happy for Norwich City to remain under the radar

The Canaries have enjoyed a bright start to the Johannes Hoff Thorup era, suffering just two defeats, but the Dane remains hungry for more progress as the squad continue to adapt to his style of play and methods. 

City have reduced the average age of the squad, altered their game model and made significant changes to the playing squad - but despite the challenges, captain McLean believes their improvement can lead to something tangible this season. 

"It's a squad that I believe can be successful this season. It's one that Ben, the manager and everyone who has put it together believes can improve and keep getting better to become successful, which is the aim for this football club. It has always been since I've been here, and it's no different this season.

"There are a lot of teams that are maybe more favourable to the outside, but that's fine," McLean said. 

"We're going to continue to do what we're doing, to improve and take everything the manager and Glen want us to do on board. If we get rid of those mistakes, we'll start punishing teams and really start to make teams suffer."

Back-to-back away draws have retained their momentum ahead of Middlesbrough's visit to Carrow Road at the weekend, and McLean cut a frustrated figure when reflecting on their errors that proved costly in a 2-2 draw at Preston in midweek. 

But draws in the Championship, especially on the road, can prove pivotal in the final analysis - even though the Scottish international is challenging his team-mates to produce better performances away from Norfolk as the season progresses. 

"I hope they look better [results] in a couple of months," he said. "There is a little bit of frustration and disappointment there because it's us that has allowed the other teams to get into the game.

"No disrespect to the other teams, but we've looked superior in both games over most of the game. We're still improving and getting better.

"Hopefully, they can be big points, and we want to pick up as many as possible - we feel we can come to these venues and get results and wins. I think that shows how far we've come in a short space of time because going back, we maybe didn't come away with confidence, and our away form hasn't been great over a period now.

"We need to start picking up more victories, but we'll learn and improve. We're working hard."

McLean is part of City's international contingent that spent the October break representing their country in matches prior to trips to Stoke and Preston upon his return to domestic action. 

Kenny McLean was left frustrated by back to back draws against Stoke and Preston. (Image: Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd) There has been much debate over how much the additional travel and workload has impacted performances, especially as City's energy tank seemed to empty in the second half against Stoke, but McLean won't use it as an excuse for consecutive draws. 

"I don't think that there is any doubt that it does have an impact and does affect us as players with all the travel and matches," the experienced midfielder said. 

"We want to play football matches, and sometimes that is tough, but everybody is in the same position. There is no prouder moment than playing for your country, and I've come back off a high off the back of getting a good result.

"It's not a case complaining about fatigue or being tired, but I'll always want to play and it's down to the manager who he decides to pick and whether to rotate. It's for the manager to look at and decide ahead of the game. It's why you have a 25-man squad, and there are no complaints.

"Sometimes it gets tough, but nobody said it was going to be easy."

Kenny McLean spent the international break away with Scotland. (Image: PA)

Norwich are now preparing to face Middlesbrough on Sunday, knowing that avoiding defeat would extend their unbeaten home record to a year. 

"It's going to be a tough game. We've got the extra day with it being Sunday, so we'll rest and recover to be in the best shape possible," McLean said after Tuesday's draw at Preston. 

"We're at home, and we saw tonight that the fans can make a difference. We know what we're getting at Carrow Road, hopefully they can make themselves heard as they always do."