Kenny McLean is emerging as Norwich City’s captain fantastic for David Wagner.

Ever-present McLean has led the side to an unbeaten league and cup start in the absence of Grant Hanley, who is on the comeback trail after Achilles surgery.

McLean’s partnership with Gabby Sara in central midfield has been a cornerstone of the Canaries’ impressive start.

“I know that a lot of people doubted if Kenny can play really as a number six, or as a player who loves it when the opponent has the ball, who wins the ball and relishes the battles,” said Wagner. “But he has done great since day one when I came in. He's a proper leader.

"A player who does exactly what is needed. Obviously he is very emotional as well. And this is something we have spoken about, to keep his head in certain situations, and he has improved massively.

“Both him and Gabby started on a very, very high level. And they both set the standard in training as well. Like a big core group of the players do, so far.

"It's quite good to see that they came into the season on such a high, and you can feel and you can see if you look in their eyes, they are hungry for the next one, like the whole group.

"Because they are great players it means they are very smart and very football intelligent as well, and they take everything on board very quickly.”

Wagner added former Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw to his midfield mix in recent days.

“I can't remember any game where my midfield was weaker than the opponent's midfield where I was successful,” he said. “Maybe because of suspensions or red cards or whatever, but in general, to be successful you have to have a midfield which is strong. And this is what we have.

"For sure, we have to make sure that we have alternatives on the same level, or a comparable level as well. And this is where we work with the players which we have. It is very important the midfield has a real presence, a physical presence, to enjoy the fight, but who can handle the ball as well.

"And this is what we have. And we have to work on that we keep this going. In midfield you have to be on top of the opponent if you'd like to be successful.”