Kyle McClean programme article
Posted : 21st November 2020
Linfield have started the season so brightly, taking maximum points from their opening five Danske Bank Premiership fixtures. There are many players in great form at present, including young energetic midfielder Kyle McClean who has been so impressive.
McClean initially joined on loan from St. Johnstone in January 2019, before returning to the Scottish Premiership side after winning the title with Linfield that season. The Newtownabbey native then returned permanently to Linfield last season, agreeing a pre-contract in November to allow him to join in January. That meant that the summer just past was his first pre-season with Linfield and he believes it has helped him start the season brightly.
“Like everyone else during lockdown, I was looking forward to getting back to football. Before lockdown towards the end of last season, I had an injury with my knee so I was able to use the lockdown to do my rehab at home and get back fit for the start of pre-season.
“It was good to get in at the start of pre-season, as opposed to coming in at the half way point like I have done the last couple of years. This year was a little different because of Covid. We started in small groups and eventually got back in training all together in the lead up to the European games. The trips to Switzerland and Poland were the first time I had been away with Linfield which was a great experience being involved in the European games and it allowed me to get to know the boys a lot better and especially the new boys who had just come in.
“I’ve been happy with how I’ve done so far. I’ve had a run of games and I’m looking to keep learning and improving every week. More importantly, as a team we have started well which is important as the league is very competitive. I think having a full pre-season has helped me this year. Last year was difficult for me for various reasons, not being able to play from September to January when I left St Johnstone and then picking up a few injuries, so I’m just happy to be back fit and helping the team.”
To his credit, the 22 year-old recently made a tough decision which appears to have paid off, given his form. Representing his country was always a proud moment for Kyle, who featured for Northern Ireland U21s for four years, mostly under the now senior international manager Ian Barraclough. However, Kyle made the big decision to concentrate on Linfield, which looks a great choice given his performances and most recently at Coleraine last week when he excelled again in a game he would have missed through international duty, had he not made the call.
“I’m still eligible to play for the U21s until the end of this campaign which is nearly finished. It’s always an honour to represent your country and I’m proud to say I have at youth level. I was involved with the u21s for 4 years and I had some great experiences with the squad. In September I made the decision to concentrate on things with Linfield, as I was keen to be involved in as many matches as possible here and help the team. I decided not to be involved in the last few international camps, and this was a hard decision for me, as I love playing for my country but at this stage of my career, I felt it was the right decision to concentrate on my club.”
The Blues look to continue their fine form when they take on Glenavon this afternoon. The Lurgan Blues recently picked up their first win of the season away to Ballymena United and for Kyle, it could mean a midfield battle against two players with vast experience and international caps, in the form of Robert Garrett and Michael O’Connor, and as a midfielder, he states he’d relish the challenge.
“Glenavon are a good team with good players. They've beaten us a couple of times since I’ve been here and today will be a tough test for us. I never played with Robert Garrett at Linfield but I know he was a very good player for the club for a number of years. Glenavon, like us, have brought in good players too, like Michael O’Connor and it will be a good opportunity to hopefully play against them.
“We have a strong squad and the new signings have all added to that. We know we have to perform well when we have the shirt because there is competition for places in the squad. It’s a good thing to have and helps improve you as a player.”
Finishing off, Kyle congratulates two experienced teammates on personal milestones and hails their impact on the team and squad. Mark Haughey made his 200th Linfield appearance in last week’s 2-0 win in Coleraine, whilst Jimmy Callacher could make his 250th, if he plays this afternoon.
“Congratulations to both players. ‘Hawks’ and Jimmy have been brilliant this season and have been great players for the club for a number of years. It’s good to have them both playing behind me in defence, as they have so much experience between them and it’s great to learn from players like that.”
Jamie Megarry