The Norwich City star has this week been linked with a return to the club he supports, with Steven Gerrard reportedly eyeing a January move for the Scotland hero.
But Longwell, who was head of academy at St Mirren when McLean was cut by Rangers in 2008, says McLean's success down south and his impact with Scotland, helping them reach the Euros last week, proves he always had the quality to make it at the top level.And he insists McLean's strength of character is now there for all to see, having never let his head drop after being axed by the Glasgow giants as a 16-year-old.
Longwell told : “Some players take a knock when they are released by the Old Firm and can fall out of the game. “I think Kenny just got on with it and said it is what it.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk