Sebastien Pocognoli is preparing to make his first major decision as Scotland head coach, with the announcement of his squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign set to reshape the national team's direction.
The Belgian manager will name his first squad on Tuesday for fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia. His appointment marks a significant shift from the philosophy of his predecessor, Steve Clarke, whose seven-year tenure prioritised consistency and ultimately delivered Scotland's first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Yet Clarke's loyalty to established players became a flashpoint with supporters, who repeatedly called for fresh talent to be integrated into the squad. That frustration now presents Pocognoli with an immediate challenge: whether to pursue wholesale changes or maintain continuity with the experienced group that returned early from the United States.
According to reports on Pocognoli's appointment, the new head coach has already begun his scouting mission, with observations of Scottish Premiership talent including Hearts forward Josh McPake. Everton assistant Alan Irvine has been retained on the coaching staff, alongside two new additions and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.
The Nations League group-stage fixtures will run from 26 September to 16 November 2026, with Scotland starting away to Slovenia on 26 September before hosting Switzerland on 29 September. This compressed schedule leaves little room for experimentation, yet the Tartan Army will be hoping for the former approach—a genuine refresh of the squad with uncapped and out-of-favour players given their opportunity.
Can McFarlane solve Scotland's goalkeeping dilemma?
The goalkeeper position remains a persistent weakness that will carry over from Clarke's era into Pocognoli's tenure. Angus Gunn started at the World Cup but has since conceded 21 goals in nine Major League Soccer games for San Jose Earthquakes, though he did record four decent saves in the club's victory on Thursday. Craig Gordon has retired from football, and Liam Kelly has not featured since Derek McInnes took over at Rangers in the summer, leaving two spots potentially available.
Scott Bain may feel aggrieved at missing the World Cup trip, given his regular Scottish Premiership football with Falkirk and his fourth cap earned against Ivory Coast in April. He has made a steady start to his season, recovering from an error against Celtic to produce a string of impressive saves against Dundee United. His manager John McGlynn has recently tipped him to start for Scotland later this month.
Liam McFarlane, the 21-year-old on loan at Partick Thistle from Hearts, may not challenge for the number one position but appears well-placed for a call-up as third-choice goalkeeper. Since arriving at the Championship club in the summer—after serving as training goalkeeper at the World Cup—he has conceded just one goal in five games and is highly regarded by both club and country. Given Scotland's recent struggles in this department, including the youngster with an eye toward the future represents a sensible step forward.
Will the back line undergo significant change?
A broader reshuffle of the defence appears likely. Grant Hanley, 34, limped off in Hibernian's recent defeat by St Johnstone, while John Souttar, 29, has not been included in any Rangers matchday squad this season amid interest from abroad. These absences open the door for fresh options.
Stephen Welsh, the former Celtic centre-half, has impressed since joining Swansea in England's Championship following a successful loan spell at Motherwell last year. The 26-year-old and former under-21s captain recently got the better of Luke Graham, a fellow potential new cap at Stoke City. Graham, the former Dundee defender, made the switch to The Potters after involvement in the A-squad's training before the World Cup and an appearance on the bench for the Curacao friendly. Strong in the air and left-footed, he appears a direct competitor for Scott McKenna.
Luis Binks, the 25-year-old captain of Danish Superliga side Brondby, presents another option. The former Spurs youth product previously represented Scotland at under-18 level before playing for England youth. In a revealing interview last month, he encouraged young Scottish players to remain in their homeland rather than become
a numberin England and expressed his desire for a Scotland call-up, despite never having had that conversation with Clarke. Since that article appeared in August, online clamour for his inclusion has intensified, placing the decision firmly in Pocognoli's hands.
Colby Donovan has also generated discussion after being thrust into Celtic's starting side in Alistair Johnston's absence, notably ahead of World Cup squad member Anthony Ralston. The 20-year-old right-back faces stiff competition from fellow youngsters Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Max Johnston, though his inclusion appears a matter of when rather than if. Left-back Josh Doig, the Sassuolo defender, is another candidate for recall.
Can Miller and Mulligan challenge Gilmour in midfield?
Billy Gilmour's return from the knee injury sustained before Scotland's departure to Florida will almost certainly see him included in Pocognoli's squad. The midfielder completed Napoli's opening Champions League match in the defeat by Arsenal last week, after coming off the bench against Inter Milan in Serie A days earlier. His absence was felt during the World Cup campaign, and hopes will be high for him to anchor his country's next chapter.
Lennon Miller, the 20-year-old at Udinese, was expected by many to board the plane to the United States, but Tyler Fletcher's timing proved superior. Things have not yet progressed smoothly for Miller in Serie A, as he struggles to break into the starting XI. With Scott McTominay recovering from heart surgery, the former Motherwell man might be afforded the chance to add to his four caps.
Josh Mulligan of Hibernian could also be in contention, despite his side's difficult start to the season. The 23-year-old, involved in the international set-up last year, remains uncapped but impressed in the Edinburgh derby that Pocognoli attended earlier this month. He has been one of the brightest and most consistent performers for David Gray's struggling Hibs side.
Who can fill the void left by Shankland's injury?
Scotland's persistent shortage of a genuine, top-class goalscoring striker remains unresolved. Che Adams appears certain to be selected, not least because he has scored two goals in three Serie A games for Torino. Beyond him, the picture becomes murkier.
Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland is sidelined through injury, and at 30 years old, Pocognoli may now feel the time to rely on Millwall's Lyndon Dykes is approaching its end. Throughout the calendar year, Scotland has engaged in an uncertain dance with Oli McBurnie. Under Clarke—who was reportedly unimpressed when a private conversation between the pair was made public—the Hull City striker appeared unlikely to return to the squad for the first time since 2021. The Belgian manager, however, may be willing to offer a fresh start.
McBurnie has not yet scored this season for the Tigers, who sit third in the Premier League, but he remains their star striker and delivered a tremendous performance as they defeated Manchester United before setting up the second goal in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Whether Pocognoli can afford to continue McBurnie's exile remains an open question.
Robbie Ure has dominated discourse throughout July and August. The Rangers academy product was in high demand across Europe following a prolific spell with Sirius in Sweden—20 goals and three assists in 20 matches—which culminated in a £5.5 million move to La Liga giants Sevilla. The 22-year-old has yet to find the net in Spain, but given his eligibility for Ukraine, Pocognoli might be tempted to secure his commitment as soon as possible.
Kieron Bowie has also made a summer move. After Hellas Verona's relegation from Italy's top tier, he joined Josh Doig at Sassuolo and impressed, opening his account in the dramatic victory over Juventus on Sunday. His attributes are evident: a strong, physical forward with a powerful left foot who will hope to add to his two caps.
Can Hearts' front three force their way in?
Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken's preferred front three have made a compelling case for inclusion. James Wilson, already capped, appears reinvigorated following his loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur youths last season. Another goal against Hibernian—in front of the Belgian—should have boosted his prospects considerably, with the teenager starting the campaign like a player with something to prove.
He has been supported by wide men Calvin Miller and Josh McPake. McPake's goal at Easter Road sparked wild celebrations in the away end as he announced himself as a serious contender for a call-up, building on his impressive Championship form with title-winning St Johnstone last year. Miller, who similarly translated second-tier success into top-flight football, has immersed himself in the free-flowing style that Vrancken, Pocognoli's compatriot, favours. The clamour for all three to be selected is growing, though whether the new Scotland head coach will heed it remains uncertain.
What happens next?
Pocognoli's first squad announcement will come next week, setting the stage for Scotland's Nations League campaign. The team will begin their competitive fixtures away to Slovenia on 26 September 2026, followed by a home match against Switzerland on 29 September. Additional away trips to North Macedonia on 3 October and Switzerland on 16 November will complete the group stage. The compressed schedule offers little room for experimentation, making Pocognoli's selection decisions all the more consequential for the direction of the national team.
