A centre half, McKenzie began his career at Scottish Second Division club Albion Rovers.
[6] He made regular appearances in Brentford's first spell in the top flight, before new signing Buster Brown in 1938 caused McKenzie to ask for a transfer.
[5] The highlight of his time back at Griffin Park was winning the 1942 London War Cup at Wembley Stadium.
[8] McKenzie's form in the First Division for Brentford led to a call up to the Scotland national team for a British Home Championship match versus Ireland on 10 November 1937.
[5] Included in the lineup with Brentford teammate and fellow debutant Bobby Reid, McKenzie helped the Scots to a 1–1 draw at Pittodrie.