In a Norwich City career based on his ability to cover all bases, the limelight may be the only area Kenny McLean hasn't got to know at Carrow Road.

The Scot has enjoyed the majority of his time in Norfolk under the radar, with flashier and more headline-grabbing stars in the spotlight throughout his five years at the club.

It's surprisingly jarring to remember his status as a key man in two title-winning campaigns, and his alarmingly consistent 183 appearances in yellow and green.

McLean will almost undoubtedly make his 200th City appearance this season, and it seems he's finally receiving the recognition he deserves in the lead-up.

The catalyst has been a new three-year contract signed last week, with a club option to extend until 2027. Leeds United's £4million interest helped highlight what a commodity the 31-year-old was for Norwich, if five impressive games as interim captain didn't do the job.

That EFL armband, borrowed from injured compatriot Grant Hanley, has helped to shine a light on McLean's good work, and it's a responsibility he's thriving on.

"[Leadership] is always something that I've tried to take on a lot of responsibility with," he told official club channels. "That's something that I've always kind of had since my younger days, but when you've got the armband there's an added bit of responsibility.

"It's a pressure that I really enjoy, I really thrive on. I always try and help the people around me. We've still got a lot of young boys who need help at times, and there are a lot of older boys in that changing room now.

"We're all pulling in one direction, all wanting the same goal at the end of the season, so I try to take a lot of responsibility and I'll continue to try to do that."

Norwich Evening News: McLean's new contract could keep him at Carrow Road until 2027.McLean's new contract could keep him at Carrow Road until 2027. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

The midfielder was signed from Aberdeen in January 2018, returning to the Dons on loan until they 2018-19 season when he moved to Norwich full-time.

The Canaries find themselves in the second tier now as they were then, but the club has made significant strides since according to their number 23. "I think the club's progressed in many ways when you look around the place, when you go to Colney," he continued.

"Since I came here five years ago the place is in such a good place right now off the pitch, it's in a great state.

"Obviously on the pitch we keep improving and we keep adding quality. I think this season is going to be special for us. You can see the fans' excitement, there's excitement behind the scenes."

Norwich Evening News: The Scot has already spent more than five years at Carrow Road.The Scot has already spent more than five years at Carrow Road. (Image: Daniel Hambury/Focus Images Ltd)

That footballing improvement wasn't the only reason McLean decided to extend his stay in NR1, however. The often-overlooked personal life attached to being a Norwich player continues to attract the 31-times-capped international, as he revealed upon signing the new deal.

"Initially when I came here I settled in very quickly," he said. "That seems a long time ago now, a lot's happened since I've been here.

"A lot of ups and downs on the pitch, plenty happening off the pitch. I'm expecting my second baby any minute now, so another little Norwich baby. It's perfect for us.

"If your family's enjoying life it really is a part of it. I know everybody just sees what's going on on the pitch, but as a whole you need to be settled as a player to play your best football, and I think I am right now.

"Everything off the pitch is very good, which helps on the pitch. I've had plenty of success that I want to be involved in going forward, and I think there are many more memories to come.

"We know what we can achieve, but it's down to us to go and do it now."