Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the moment had arrived for a fresh direction, and he believes his inaugural selection offers a "good mix" of talent and experience. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week, training under the warm La Manga sun as they ready themselves for the Nations League opener against Slovenia. In his initial roster, five players earned their first full caps for Scotland, while Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery was called up after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international window – featuring four Nations League fixtures – grants Pocognoli extra time to work with his group and begin shaping his legacy as the successor to Steve Clarke.
"We have a lot of seasoned professionals in the squad, a handful of fresh faces and a few young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. "The key is to keep the balance right and preserve what makes the Scotland side so strong – the cohesion and the DNA that runs through the team – and that must remain intact." He added that the timing of the change was appropriate, noting that the national side needed to evolve in line with its own timetable. "The change is about what we want to create on the pitch," he said.
"Performance at club level, injury status and the need for adaptation all play a part. What we built in the past provides a massive foundation for the future." Pocognoli emphasized the importance of equilibrium between veteran leadership and youthful energy. "Experienced players will be vital in guiding the younger ones," he said, highlighting that the coaching staff must be unified in their objectives. "I want a team 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 when Scotland face Slovenia, followed three days later by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park.
The itinerary continues with a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year, and they now aim to climb back to the top tier. "There are many routes to success," the 39‑year‑old manager remarked. "In the Nations League, our goal is to stay competitive and push our ranking as high as possible to return to League A.
On the pitch we must recognize our leaders, give opportunities to emerging talent, and maintain team cohesion." He also stressed the need to excite the supporters. "If we can combine attractive football with positive results, that’s why we do this job and it would make me very happy," Pocognoli said. Below is the full squad list announced by the new boss: 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), 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 fixtures are scheduled 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 challenge will be to blend the experience of players like Robertson and McKenna with the enthusiasm of newcomers such as Montgomery and Miller, while instilling a clear tactical identity.
The extended break offers a rare opportunity for the coaching staff to implement training sessions focused on defensive solidity, transitional play, and set‑piece routines that have traditionally been a strength of Scottish football. Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ digital platforms, including a dedicated WhatsApp channel that delivers the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more. As the team embarks on this new chapter, the hope is that Pocognoli’s vision of balance, cohesion and a renewed attacking spirit will translate into on‑field success and reignite the passion of the Scottish supporters.