Football: Shining performance from Cambuslang lad in SPL

Nov 2 2011 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

CAMBUSLANG footballer Kenny McLean helped his St Mirren side to victory at the weekend after scoring the winner against St Johnstone.

It was a superb win for the Buddies against a side who are above them in the SPL.

Former Cathkin High pupil Kenny put in an accomplished display from midfield at McDiarmid Park and scored the winner in 81 minutes.

It was his first SPL goal and although the 19-year-old is pleased to have scored and put in a great performance, he insists recording a win was the most important thing.

He said: “The performance is a big thing but the result matters most.

“To score the winning goal makes it a bit better but obviously you want the team to get the win.”

Although just at the start of his career, Kenny’s technical abilities have drawn praise, however his goal at the weekend came from a bit of route one football after a long ball nodded on by Steven Thompson found him to score.

He added: “It was a bit of route one football, we’ve not played much of that all season. I managed to get in behind and put it by the keeper.”

Although it was hard for the under-21 internationalist to initially establish his place in the team, he has began to get playing time and hopes to secure a regular slot in the side.

He has also been awarded a three year contract extension.

He added: “At the start of the season it was tough to get in to the team, we were playing well, a few new faces came in and there was a lot of competition.

“I’ve played the last few games and started to settle in, hopefully I can keep my place, I’m delighted to extend my deal.

“I’m taking it game by game I just want to keep playing and hopefully more goals will come.

“Any individual game we’ll go in to it looking to win it but I’d say top six would be our aim come the end of the season.”

St Mirren boss Danny Lennon tied the youngster down to a three year contract - a shrewd move as many consider Kenny to have a bright future in the game.

He has now challenged his gifted midfield player to hold down a place in the Buddies’ starting line up.

Lennon said: “I’ve got great hopes for Kenny and that’s why he’s in there.

“The only thing that will stop that boy going to the top is himself.

“He’s got such a bright future in the game. But his big challenge is to now hold down the jersey here at St Mirren.

“He’s doing that very well at this minute.”