Miller back for Scotland after Facetime call from new boss Pocognoli
Lennon Miller is back in a Scotland shirt. The 20-year-old midfielder has been recalled for the forthcoming Nations League double-header. New head coach Sebastien Pocognoli told him the news himself on Facetime the day before the squad was announced, according to BBC.
Pocognoli has succeeded Steve Clarke as Scotland head coach. He has named his first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, according to the Scottish FA. The Nations League is UEFA's group tournament for national teams, played between World Cups and European Championships. Scotland are scheduled to start that new era away in Slovenia, according to Sky Sports.
For Miller, it is a reset. He was in Clarke's squad for the friendlies against Japan at Hampden and Ivory Coast but did not play a minute. Then came the World Cup disappointment. Uncapped 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher of Manchester United was called up instead for Clarke's farewell match against Curacao, and Miller stayed home.
He had already said he was eager to impress the new boss. In August, Miller spoke about wanting to catch Pocognoli's eye after that summer snub, according to the Scotsman.
His club form has forced the door open. Miller is in his second season with Udinese in Serie A, Italy's top flight. He featured in all five league games at the time of the announcement, starting the past two. He also played in both Italy Cup wins, including the full 90 minutes against Venezia earlier in September.
It continues a fast rise. Miller was thrown into the Motherwell first team just six days after turning 16. He is the son of former Scotland international Lee Miller. He has already been named PFA Young Player of the Year.
He is not alone in Italy. Miller is one of six Serie A-based players in Pocognoli's first squad, alongside Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig, Lewis Ferguson and Nathan Patterson among others. There is fresh blood too. Five newcomers made the cut, including Robbie Ure, Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh.
What makes this stand out is the personal touch. A quick video call the night before. Short and direct. It tells a young player he is wanted, and now he has two games to show why.
