He began his career in Scotland as a youth and reserve player with Rangers before joining Motherwell in 2005, initially on loan.

After returning to Scotland with Dundee United and then Ross County, he moved to DPMM FC in 2015 and won the S.League title in his first season.

McLean played for the Scotland under-17 team before choosing to represent Northern Ireland, for whom he made one full international appearance in 2006.

Due to an administrative error, however, he was subsequently declared ineligible to have switched his nationality, thus ending his international career.

[7] On 18 July 2008, he suffered significant damage to his knee in a tackle by Argentinian striker Diego Alejandro Ruíz during a pre-season friendly against CFR Cluj.

[3] McLean was signed by Football League One club Preston North End on a two-year contract, after a trial period, on 2 August 2011.

[3] McLean scored his first goal for Preston North End against Notts County from a Paul Parry corner, heading in from about six yards out.

[20] He left the team once again after the season ended[21] and signed a short-term deal with Scottish League One side Dumbarton in March 2019.

Unfortunately, due to an administration error[26] McLean was not registered before this deadline and is now ineligible to represent Northern Ireland,[27] effectively ending his international career.