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 offers a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week at the sunny training base in La Manga, where they are preparing for the opening Nations League fixture against Slovenia. In his debut roster, Pocognoli handed five players their first full Scotland caps.
Among the newcomers is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which includes four Nations League matches, gives the new boss extra time to embed his ideas and assess the group as he steps into the shoes of Steve Clarke. "We have a lot of experience in the squad, a handful of fresh faces and a number of 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 strong – the cohesion and the DNA that have defined us for years.
That has to stay intact." He added that the timing of the change was appropriate: "We are following the timelines, and the shift we need is about the style we want to create on the pitch. It’s also about club performance, injuries and the necessity to evolve. What we built in the past gives us a massive platform for the future." Pocognoli emphasized the importance of experienced players in guiding the team: "Finding the right balance means the seasoned professionals will continue to look after the core, while the coaching staff must be aligned on our shared objectives. I want a side that moves as one – attack together, defend together – that is the essence of the Scottish mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, with a home clash versus Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
After those two games, the squad will travel 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 now compete in League B, aiming to secure promotion back to the top tier. "There are many routes to success," the 39‑year‑old manager said.
"In the Nations League my goal is to stay competitive and push the ranking as high as possible so we can return to League A." He highlighted three pillars he expects to see on the field: leadership, youthful energy and collective unity. "We need to recognise who the leaders are, give the young players a chance to shine, and maintain team cohesion. At the same time we must excite the supporters.
If we can combine good results with that excitement, 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), 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’s first months will be judged not only by results but also by how quickly he can instil his philosophy, nurture the emerging talent and keep the passionate Scottish fan base engaged.
The blend of veterans like Robertson and McKenna with newcomers such as Montgomery and Miller provides a fertile ground for the new manager to craft a side that is both resilient and adventurous. As the team gathers under the Spanish sun, the hope is that the "good mix" Pocognoli speaks of will translate into a cohesive unit capable of climbing back to the top of European international football.