Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that a shift in direction was overdue and that his inaugural selection already offers a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week, training under the sunny skies of La Manga as they prepare for their Nations League opener against Slovenia.
Pocognoli's initial roster includes five debutants who have earned their first full Scotland caps. Among them, Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery was called up to replace the withdrawn Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which features four Nations League fixtures, grants the new boss extra time to embed his ideas and assess the squad, a crucial period as he steps into the shoes of 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.
"The key is to keep the balance right and preserve what makes Scotland strong – the cohesion and the DNA of the team – and that has to remain intact." He emphasized that the timing of the change was appropriate, noting that the national side must evolve in line with its own timetable. "The change is about what we want to create on the pitch," he said. "It depends on club performance, injuries, and the need to adapt.
What we have built in the past gives us a massive platform for the future." Pocognoli highlighted the importance of experienced players in maintaining stability while the coaching staff aligns on shared objectives. "I want to see a side that is truly together – attack together, defend together – that is the essence of the Scottish mentality," he added.
The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday when Scotland face Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The team will then travel 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 will compete in League B for this campaign. Pocognoli, 39, believes there are multiple pathways to success.
"In the Nations League, our aim is to stay competitive and climb as high as possible in the rankings to return to League A," he said. "On the pitch we need to recognise our leaders, give young players opportunities, and maintain team cohesion." He also stressed the need to excite supporters. "If we can combine solid results with the passion of the fans, that’s why we do this job and I’ll be very happy," Pocognoli concluded.
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 scheduled as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, kickoff 14:00.
- Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, kickoff 19:45. - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, kickoff 19:45. - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, kickoff 19:45. - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, kickoff 19:45.
- Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, kickoff 19:45. Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more. Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available for those interested.