Pocognoli names first Scotland squad with full 28 fit for Slovenia opener
Scotland start life under Sebastien Pocognoli with a full house to pick from for Saturday's Nations League opener away to Slovenia.
The Belgian has named a 28-player extended squad for the opening four fixtures of the new Nations League format. None of the 28 had pulled out through injury before a ball was kicked, according to BBC Sport.
Pocognoli, 39, was appointed in August on an initial two-year contract. He is the new head coach after the long Steve Clarke era, and this four-game window is his first chance to shape the team.
His first selection leans to the future. Seven uncapped players were called up, the Scottish FA confirmed, including Robbie Ure, Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh, according to Sky Sports.
There are big names missing. Scott McTominay missed the original selection to undergo minor heart surgery, expected to keep him out for a few weeks. Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland and Torino forward Che Adams are also absent through injury.
In goal, the picture is settled and shifting at once. Angus Gunn remains first choice. He is now starting regularly for San Jose Earthquakes after his summer switch from Nottingham Forest. Jon McCracken has also moved, from Dundee to Bradford City, and has helped Bradford to the top of League One. Rangers' Liam Kelly is the only goalkeeper in the group not playing for his club.
Up front, there are fresh routes to goal. Oli McBurnie is recalled and continues to start for Hull City. Ure started for Sevilla in their 3-1 defeat by La Liga leaders Barcelona. James Wilson has nailed down a first-team place with Heart of Midlothian since returning from his loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur. Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis and Ben Gannon-Doak were all substitutes in their latest club games for Sassuolo, Rangers and Bournemouth respectively.
Midfield form looks encouraging. Billy Gilmour scored his second senior goal in Napoli's 1-1 draw away to Fiorentina and was named man of the match. Lewis Ferguson is starting every game as Bologna captain, including their 1-1 draw with Torino. Lennon Miller started for Udinese in their 1-0 home defeat by Cagliari.
Elsewhere, minutes have been harder to find. Nathan Patterson has made his second substitute appearance since his loan move from Everton. Aaron Hickey came off the bench in Brentford's 3-0 win over Chelsea. Scott McKenna was an unused substitute as Dinamo Zagreb beat Lokomotiva.
For fans, this means a proper first look. Four games in one window is a lot of football. It gives a new coach little time on the training pitch and plenty of time to learn about his players when it matters.
