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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Wilson

How the English Championship play-off race is unfolding and what it means for Scottish connections

Kenny McLean capped a sensational season with Norwich by providing an assist for former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki to score his 29th goal of the season and cement the Championship title for the Canaries.

McLean, who moved from Aberdeen to Carrow Road a year ago, is one of three Scots who have played a crucial part in the success as Norwich book their place back in the Premier League.

But there's a whole trail of tartan jostling for a place in the richest league in the world - if they've not already clinched it.

Fellow Scotland internationals Grant Hanley and Jordan Rhodes have also been instrumental in Norwich's success although the latter - on loan from Sheffield Wednesday - will be remaining in the Championship with his parent club unless any permanent deal can be agreed.

McLean's assist helped the Canaries wrap up a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Villa, with Alan Hutton at right back but former Hibs midfielder John McGinn rested, now turn their attention to the play-offs for a second successive season.

McGinn will come back into the equation for next weekend's semi final with West Brom as he looks to help the Birmingham side take return to the Premier League.

Another Scots duo heading to the top tier is John Fleck and Paul Coutts at Sheffield United who finished second behind Norwich in the table.

Kenny McLean on how Celtic flop Teemu Pukki's 'unbelievable' ability left him floored  

Fleck has forced himself into the Scotland set-up in a brilliant season which has seen him make 46 appearances. The former Rangers star is a firm fans' favourite with the Blades, something that was displayed as he toasted the club's promotion success by downing a pint among a pub full of adoring supporters last weekend.

Former Cove Rangers midfielder Coutts is the unsung hero of the Blades side which has stormed to second place.

Other players with Scottish connections preparing for the end of season lottery that is the play offs include Scotland forward Matt Phillips, midfielder James Morrison and former Celtic star Stefan Johansen at West Brom - with the latter scoring in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Derby.

Matt Phillips insists he can be Scotland's main man (Getty)

Speaking of the Rams, they clinched a play off spot with the victory - and had ex-Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn on the scoresheet again in the win over the Baggies. The strike was Waghorn's 13th of the season for Frank Lampard's side.

Craig Forsyth and Craig Bryson are also in the Derby squad hoping for success at Wembley later this month.

And finally, Scottish duo Barry Douglas and Liam Cooper are among the Leeds United players who head into the play-offs as the highest-placed side in the Championship.

The Elland Road club finished six points adrift of the automatic promotion spots but nine points ahead of Derby who they face in the semi final next weekend.

Douglas, however, will play no part having been ruled out until next season with a knee injury.

John McGinn makes Premier League pledge as Aston Villa star sweeps the board  

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