Pocognoli to name first Scotland squad on Tuesday
Sebastien Pocognoli will name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday, 15 September.
The new head coach opens his account with Nations League B fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia. The announcement date and opponents were reported by BBC Sport.
Pocognoli was appointed Scotland men's head coach on 16 August, according to the Scottish FA. He follows Steve Clarke after seven years in charge. Clarke led Scotland to their first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years.
The Nations League is UEFA's competition that groups national teams into tiers, with promotion and relegation between them. League B is the second tier. Scotland will play for points, momentum and a route back towards the top table.
Goalkeeper looks like the first big call. Angus Gunn started in goal for Scotland at the World Cup. He now plays for San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer, the top division in the United States. Craig Gordon was also in that World Cup squad, then retired from football.
Behind them, the picture is unsettled. Liam Kelly has not featured for Rangers since Derek McInnes took over at the club. Scott Bain won his fourth cap, a fourth senior appearance, against Ivory Coast in April. Liam McFarlane, the extra training goalkeeper in Clarke's World Cup squad, joined Partick Thistle on loan from Hearts in the summer.
Defence brings another question. John Souttar has not been included in any Rangers matchday squad this term. Luis Binks offers a contrasting case in Denmark, where he captains Danish Superliga side Brondby. Binks represented Scotland at under-18 level before playing for England youth teams.
Pocognoli said the passionate nature of Scottish football was a key factor in taking the job, in an interview with BBC Sport. On the touchline, Everton assistant Alan Irvine will continue as part of a refreshed Scotland coaching staff, as confirmed by the Scottish FA.
What makes this stand out is the clean slate. A new manager sees every player fresh. Form, fitness and fit for his system all count at once.
For fans, this means Tuesday is about clues. The goalkeepers will show how Pocognoli handles the post-World Cup gap. The defenders will show whether he rewards club minutes or international trust. Then the football can start talking.
