Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that a fresh approach was overdue and that his inaugural selection offers a "good mix" of experience and youthful energy. The Belgian coach arrived at the La Manga training camp this week, meeting his players for the first time under the Mediterranean sun before the side’s Nations League opener against Slovenia.
In his debut roster, five newcomers earned their first full Scotland caps, highlighting Pocognoli's willingness to broaden the talent pool. Among the fresh faces is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the withdrawals of established internationals Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which includes four Nations League fixtures, provides the new manager with valuable time to embed his ideas and assess the squad in depth as he steps into the role previously held by Steve Clarke.
"We have plenty of experience in the team, there are some new faces and young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance that has traditionally made Scotland competitive: a strong collective spirit, a clear identity, and a cohesive DNA that binds the players together on and off the pitch.
According to the coach, the timing of the change was crucial. "The needed change was at this moment, because we follow the timelines, and the change is just about the things that we want to create on the pitch," he said.
He added that performance at club level, injury status, and overall form are all factors that influence selection, and that the resources and knowledge accumulated over the years must be leveraged to shape the future. Pocognoli also spoke about the role of the coaching staff, insisting that alignment on objectives is essential.
"It's to find the right balance, like I said, so the experienced players will be important to continue to take care of this, and on the coaching staff point of view, we need to be aligned about what we want to achieve together," he noted. He wants a side that operates as a single unit: attacking together, defending together, embodying what he describes as the "Scotland mentality." The manager's first match will take place in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a home encounter with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The schedule then moves to North Macedonia on 3 October, before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on 6 October.
Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will be competing in League B this season, making the goal of promotion a central ambition. "There are many ways to be successful," the 39‑year‑old said. "For me, in the Nations League, it's to stay competitive and try to be as much as possible higher in the ranking to go to League A. But just to recognise some principles on the pitch, recognise who are the leaders on the pitch, see some young lads playing, see team cohesion on the pitch.
Also, to get the supporters excited. If we can combine with the result, and that's why we do this job, I would be really 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), 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 as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, Scotland vs North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and Switzerland vs Scotland on 16 November at 19:45.
Pocognoli hopes that a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent will not only restore Scotland's standing in the Nations League but also rekindle the passion of the nation’s supporters.