Kenny McLean has opened up on summer transfer interest from Rangers as he insisted his future at Norwich was quickly decided.
The central midfielder, 32, had been touted for a move to Ibrox with new Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup having quickly set out his stall on wanting to work with young players.
McLean, though, has revealed it took just one discussion with the new manager to have his future with the Championship club confirmed as vice-captain.
"Not too much that needed spoken about, to be honest," he said when asked whether there was anything in speculation over a move to Ibrox. "The manager was in the door for a couple of weeks and had a conversation with him.
"He'd made it quite clear publicly that he wanted young players and I didn't quite fit that bracket! But when I spoke to him he knew he needed some experience about the place and I've been there a long time.
"He told me I was still a big part of the plan. So for me that was me secure and getting my head down at Norwich and not really focusing on elsewhere. It was something that was resolved pretty quickly."
McLean is feeling in top condition and enjoying his football as much as ever - something that extends to meeting up with his Scotland team-mates.
He said: "I feel as fit as I can be. We're going alright back at Norwich. Feeling good and good to be back meeting up with the boys.
"Even at the young age of 32 I'm feeling good. We're [Norwich] playing good stuff. We're playing really good stuff. the way the manager wants to play. That's what everybody wants to be involved in.
"So if there's a chance of success there then we're going to do everything to do that. As I say, we're improving all the time and long may that continue. "
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While McLean has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon, the former St Mirren and Aberdeen ace is looking beyond his playing career by beginning coaching courses.
On already considering a future in coaching, McLean said: "I think you need to [think about post plying career]. As soon as you're in your 30s, seeing as we're over the hill a wee bit now some places. I think I was touching 60 games last year so I've not quite slowed down yet.
"I'm definitely looking at stuff like that. A lot of the lads in this squad are doing a course together on coaching and doing their badges and stuff like that. It's something you need to look at but hopefully it's a few years away.
"I started last year. A lot of the boys have done more than others, more than me. The Championship is relentless at times so it's hard to fit it in. I've got two kids, again, relentless at times.
"It's tough to get it done but I know it's something I want to do and something I want to look into so I'm trying to find the time somewhere. "It's through the SFA and Dougie Anderson who's helping us out with it and a lot of it is through Zoom and stuff like that.
"It's something a lot of the boys want to do and when you're doing that it helps you understand the game better and improves you as a player."
