Pocognoli Names First Scotland Squad With McTominay and Tierney Back

Sebastien Pocognoli has named his first Scotland squad as head coach, and it brings back three familiar faces for the Nations League games against North Macedonia and Switzerland. Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Che Adams are all back in the group after time away.

The Nations League is a competition between national teams, grouped by strength. Teams play each other across a set of matches, and results decide who moves up or down a league. Scotland are third in Group B1, behind Switzerland and Slovenia.

Switzerland lead the group with maximum points, and Slovenia sit three points ahead of Scotland. To have any chance of finishing second and reaching the promotion play-offs, a one-off extra round that decides who gets promoted, Scotland need at least four points from their remaining matches. They host North Macedonia before travelling to Switzerland.

The Scottish FA announced the 26-player squad on Tuesday 3 November. It includes four goalkeepers: Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Jon McCracken. Pocognoli has also picked a mix of experience and newcomers across the defence, midfield and attack.

James Penrice receives his first call-up. Robbie Ure is also among the new faces. Kristi Montgomery keeps a place in the squad after being a late addition on an earlier occasion.

Not everyone made the trip south. Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean are missing because of injury. Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan and James Wilson have dropped out of the squad.

For Pocognoli, the first squad is a chance to set his own tone. For the players named, it is a chance to earn a place in a Scotland shirt. The next two matches will show how far that new group can take the team in the table.