St Mirren’s Kenny McLean keen for place in final team

FIT-AGAIN St Mirren midfielder Kenny McLean insists he bears no grudges against the players who took his place and helped fire the club to their second final appearance in three years.

The Scotland Under-21 international has been out for the past five weeks after undergoing knee ligament surgery but only just missed out on being passed fit for Sunday’s incredible 3-2 triumph over Celtic in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final.

The Paisley side’s stunning Hampden performance was built upon two impressive displays in the centre of midfield from 18-year-old John McGinn and on-loan Newcastle youth Conor Newton.

Despite knowing his place in the 17 March final with Hearts could be blocked by those two team-mates, 21-year-old McLean insists he was only filled with thoughts of delight after their against-the-odds win over Celtic.

He said: “It was tough sitting out the game but I’m delighted for the guys in the team. In the changing room beforehand, all the boys were pumped up for the match, but I was gutted to be missing out. However, it has worked out perfect and now we have a final to look forward to. It’s not too far away and hopefully I will be back in time to be involved.

“I can’t get frustrated by the fact there are other guys in my position if they help the club reach a major final.

“I only just missed out on this game but I’ll be back in the squad for Wednesday’s league game with Inverness, so there is plenty of time to get myself fit for Hampden.”

McLean has been tipped with a move away from St Mirren Park, with npower Championship side Wolves rumoured to be among those considering a bid. But, with the January transfer window set to close on Thursday, the Buddies player is not expecting an imminent departure. He said: “Am I happy to stay put for the time being? Yeah, I don’t see why not.”