Sebastien Pocognoli steps into the role of Scotland’s head coach with a fresh mandate and a brand‑new chapter for the national side. His first assignment comes in the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and fans are already speculating about the composition of his debut squad. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the roster will mirror the 26‑man contingent that Steve Clarke led to the World Cup in Qatar, or if Pocognoli will opt for a substantial overhaul.
In the weeks ahead, Scotland will contest four matches over a two‑week span, a demanding schedule for a manager who is only 39 years old but already boasts a wealth of experience from his playing days in Belgium and across Europe. The selection process will be complicated by several factors: injuries to key players, the need to address long‑standing positional dilemmas, and the desire to inject fresh talent while maintaining a core of proven performers. One of the most pressing issues that Pocognoli inherits is the goalkeeping hierarchy. The previous campaign saw Angus Gunn, who barely featured at Nottingham Forest last season, start all three World Cup group games despite only 45 minutes of club action.
Gunn has since moved to the MLS with San Jose Earthquakes, where he has become a regular starter, albeit one who has conceded 21 goals in 10 appearances. Craig Gordon, a veteran who also featured in the USA, has now retired, and Liam Kelly, another former World Cup squad member, has yet to make his mark for Rangers this season. Adding to the mix is Scott Bain of Falkirk, who was overlooked by Clarke despite logging more minutes than Gunn, Gordon and Kelly combined.
Bain has featured in every Premiership match for the Bairns this season and could make a case for a recall after earning his last senior cap back in March. Meanwhile, Liam McFarlane traveled to the United States as a training goalkeeper and could serve as a reliable backup, having kept four clean sheets in five Championship games while on loan at Partick Thistle from Hearts. In the outfield, the captaincy remains firmly with Andy Robertson, whose leadership and consistency are unlikely to be questioned. However, several seasoned players may find their international futures in doubt.
Grant Hanley, a stalwart defender with 70 caps, has faced criticism at times and missed Hibernian’s League Cup triumph due to injury. Even if he is fit, Pocognoli may explore alternatives to strengthen Scotland’s ability to press higher up the pitch.
John Souttar’s situation is also precarious. The Rangers centre‑back has been told his long‑term future lies elsewhere and has not featured on the bench this season.
His involvement in Clarke’s World Cup squad could be his final appearance for the national team, at least for now. Conversely, Ross McCrorie’s versatility—capable of operating both in defence and midfield—makes him an attractive option for a manager looking to add tactical flexibility. On the left flank, competition is fierce. Anthony Ralston, who was initially called up as cover for Aaron Hickey, has slipped down Celtic’s pecking order with youngster Colby Donovan preferred this term.
The Scotland U21 right‑back, currently a regular for the under‑21 side, may have to wait for his senior debut because the senior squad already includes Hickey, Max Johnston and Nathan Patterson, the latter now plying his trade at Torino. Josh Doig, plying his trade in Serie A with Sassuolo, could earn a recall after a strong season in Italy. James Penrice, on loan at Rangers, has impressed with his composure, while Luke Graham, now at Stoke after leaving Dundee, continues to develop steadily. Stephen Welsh, who impressed during a loan spell at Motherwell from Celtic, could also be in the manager’s considerations.
Midfield and attack present their own set of puzzles. Billy Gilmour, who missed the World Cup due to a knee injury, is expected to re‑enter the squad after featuring full‑time against Arsenal in the Champions League and then helping Sassuolo secure a 1‑0 Serie A win over Bologna.
Tyler Fletcher, a product of Manchester United’s academy, was drafted in as a replacement for the United States but may now be superseded by Lennon Miller, who has been getting regular minutes at Udinese. Miller’s lack of a permanent starting spot could still earn him a call if he continues to feature in consecutive matches, especially with Scott McTominay sidelined after heart surgery. Josh Mulligan of Hibernian, a 23‑year‑old who has previously been part of the senior squad without earning a cap, impressed in the Edinburgh derby that Pocognoli attended, suggesting he may be on the radar.
Meanwhile, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out after ACL surgery, leaving a void that could be filled by emerging talents. James Wilson, back at Hearts after a loan at Tottenham, scored the opening goal against Hibs at Easter Road in front of the national team boss, indicating his form is being monitored closely. Calvin Miller and Josh McPake, both recent signings for Hearts, have already featured at youth level for Scotland and could be considered for the Nations League roster if they maintain their upward trajectory. In the forward line, Lyndon Dykes has netted three goals in six league matches for Millwall this season, yet his recent international return of just one goal in nine appearances raises questions about his role under the new coach.
Oli McBurnie, who last played for Scotland in 2021 after a prolific season with Hull City, might finally receive a second chance, especially as he has been an ever‑present figure in Hull’s Premier League campaign. Robbie Ure, who scored 20 goals in 20 games for Swedish side Sirius before moving to Sevilla for £5.5 million, has yet to find the net in La Liga but his striking instincts remain evident. Kieron Bowie, after a promising start in Italy and a goal in Sassuolo’s victory over Juventus, could also be a dark horse for a attacking role.
All these variables mean Pocognoli faces a complex puzzle: balancing experience with youth, rewarding form while managing injuries, and crafting a team capable of competing in a demanding Nations League schedule. The decisions he makes will set the tone for his tenure and could determine whether Scotland can build on the foundations laid by Clarke or embark on a new direction altogether.
The upcoming squad announcement will provide the first clear indication of his strategic vision and the players he believes can deliver the results Scotland craves.