Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the moment had arrived for a fresh direction and that his inaugural selection already displays a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week in the sunny training facilities at La Manga, preparing them for the opening Nations League fixture against Slovenia.
His initial roster includes five debutants who have earned their first full Scotland caps, among them Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was added after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break – featuring four Nations League matches – gives Pocognoli a valuable window to work with his squad and begin shaping his legacy as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have a lot of experience in the group, a handful of new faces and some young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. "We must keep the balance right and preserve what makes the Scotland side strong – the cohesion and the DNA that has defined us for years.
That needs to stay intact." He emphasized that the timing of the change was crucial. "The change was needed now because we follow the timelines set by the association, and it’s about the style of play we want to create on the pitch. Performance at club level, injuries and form all play a part in deciding who gets the call.
What we did in the past provides a massive foundation for the future." Pocognoli stressed the importance of blending seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. "Finding the right balance is key. The experienced players will continue to guide the team, while the coaching staff must be aligned on our collective objectives. I want a side that moves as one – attacking together, defending together – that’s the essence of the Scotland mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, with the first match against Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
After those fixtures, the squad travels to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will compete in the second tier this season. Pocognoli, 39, outlined his objectives for the competition. "There are many ways to be successful.
In the Nations League, my goal is to stay competitive, climb the rankings and eventually return to League A. On the pitch, we need to recognise our leaders, give the younger players a chance, and maintain team cohesion." He added that fan enthusiasm is a vital part of the equation. "If we can combine solid results with excitement for the supporters, that’s why we do this job and I’ll be very happy." Below is the full squad list announced by Pocognoli: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City) Defenders: Luis Binks (Brøndby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristi Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers) Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts) The upcoming schedule is as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 GMT - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 GMT - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 GMT - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 GMT Pocognoli’s appointment signals a new chapter for Scottish football. While honoring the traditions that have long defined the national side, he aims to inject fresh ideas, tactical flexibility, and a renewed sense of purpose.
By blending veteran leadership with youthful energy, he hopes to build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level and ultimately restoring Scotland to the top tier of the Nations League.