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 Nations League later this month, and all eyes will be on the squad he assembles for those four fixtures spread across two weeks. The big question on everyone’s mind is how much the roster will differ from the 26‑man group that Steve Clarke took to the United States for the 2022 World Cup.
According to Sky Sports News, uncapped striker Robbie Ure is expected to earn his first senior call‑up. Ure has been a revelation in Sweden with Sirius, netting an astonishing 20 goals in as many games before securing a summer move to La Liga side Sevilla.
Although he has yet to find the net in Spain, his scoring pedigree makes a compelling case for inclusion in Pocognoli’s initial list. Goalkeeping will be one of the most contentious areas. Clarke struggled to settle on a long‑term No 1, a dilemma that now falls on Pocognoli’s shoulders. Angus Gunn, who barely featured for Nottingham Forest last season – only 45 minutes of club football – saw his contract run out and subsequently joined the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS.
He has been a regular starter there but has already allowed 21 goals in ten games, raising doubts about his suitability as the first‑choice custodian. Veteran Craig Gordon has retired, and Liam Kelly, who was part of the World Cup squad, has yet to make an appearance for Rangers this campaign. Meanwhile, Scott Bain of Falkirk, who logged more minutes this season than Gunn, Gordon and Kelly combined, was omitted from Clarke’s final list despite his consistent performances in the Premiership. Bain could be a dark horse candidate, especially after earning his last Scotland cap back in March.
The backup goalkeeper pool also offers options. Liam McFarlane, a loan signing from Hearts at Partick Thistle, has kept four clean sheets in five Championship matches, conceding just a single goal. Jon McCracken, the Bradford City keeper who moved from Dundee, boasts six clean sheets in nine League One outings and could be a surprise inclusion despite never having been capped. Other names such as Cieran Slicker and Ross Doohan remain on the radar, but the final decision will hinge on form and fitness.
In defence, the situation is equally complex. Captain Andy Robertson is almost certainly guaranteed a spot, but several seasoned players may find their international careers winding down.
Grant Hanley, a reliable centre‑back with 70 caps, missed Hibernian’s League Cup triumph due to injury and may be supplanted by a more mobile option as Scotland aim to press higher up the pitch. John Souttar’s future at Rangers looks uncertain, and he has not featured for the club this season; his involvement could be limited to a final cameo from Clarke’s World Cup squad. Versatile Ross McCrorie, capable of playing both in defence and midfield, is likely to attract Pocognoli’s attention.
Anthony Ralston, who previously covered for Aaron Hickey, has slipped down Celtic’s pecking order behind youngster Colby Donovan, making his selection doubtful. Right‑back prospects include the Scotland U21 regular, who may have to wait his turn as Max Johnston, Nathan Patterson (now at Torino) and others compete for the spot. On the left flank, Josh Doig, who has been plying his trade in Serie A with Sassuolo, could earn a recall after a strong season in Italy. In midfield, James Penrice has impressed during his loan spell at Rangers, while Luke Graham, now at Stoke after leaving Dundee, continues to develop his game.
Stephen Welsh, on loan from Celtic to Motherwell last season, also merits consideration after a solid campaign. The attacking department promises a mix of experience and emerging talent. Billy Gilmour, who recovered from a knee injury that forced him out of the World Cup squad, has recently logged full 90‑minute performances against Arsenal in the Champions League and helped Napoli to a 1‑0 Serie A victory over Bologna. His resurgence makes him a strong candidate for the midfield.
Tyler Fletcher, a product of Manchester United’s academy, was drafted into the World Cup squad as a replacement for Ure and could be in the mix again. Former Motherwell star Lennon Miller, now at Udinese, has started consecutive matches and may be considered as cover for Scott McTominay, who is sidelined after heart surgery. Josh Mulligan of Hibernian, though uncapped, impressed in the Edinburgh derby attended by Pocognoli and could earn his first senior cap. Meanwhile, the forward line will miss Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, who is recovering from hamstring surgery, but Hearts’ James Wilson has shown promise after returning from a loan at Tottenham and scoring the opener against Hibs at Easter Road in front of the national team boss.
Other attacking prospects include Calvin Miller and Josh McPake, both summer signings for Hearts who have already featured for Scotland at youth level. Their form could convince the Belgian coach to give them a chance in the Nations League squad. Lyndon Dykes has been prolific for Millwall, tallying three goals in six league games, yet his recent international record – just one goal in nine appearances – may raise doubts about his role under Pocognoli. Similarly, Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021 despite a strong Championship season with Hull, might finally get a recall if the coach decides to reward his club form.
Finally, Kieron Bowie, who has begun the Serie A season strongly for Sassuolo, even scoring against Juventus, could be another attacking option on the table. In summary, Pocognoli faces a daunting selection puzzle across every position. Injuries, recent form, and the desire to inject fresh energy into the squad will all influence his decisions. The upcoming Nations League fixtures will provide a clear indication of the direction he intends to take the Scottish side, and fans can expect a blend of familiar faces and new talents as he builds his inaugural squad.