Time for Sebastien Pocognoli to pick - who could be named in new-look Scotland squad?
Sebastien Pocognoli names his first Scotland squad on Tuesday, with many anticipating fresh faces for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: Scottish Government
A new dawn is breaking for the Scotland national team. On Tuesday, Sebastien Pocognoli will name his first squad since taking the helm, with the side preparing for upcoming Nations League B fixtures. While his predecessor, Steve Clarke, built a seven-year tenure on loyalty and consistency, fans have long clamoured for an infusion of new talent.
The central question facing the Belgian is whether he will overhaul the group or maintain the status quo. Potential candidates for a call-up include goalkeeper Liam McFarlane, currently impressing on loan at Partick Thistle, and Swansea centre-half Stephen Welsh, who has thrived in the Championship.
Midfielder Billy Gilmour is expected to return to the fold following his recovery from a knee injury. Meanwhile, with Lawrence Shankland sidelined, a gap in the attack has opened up. Players like Kieron Bowie, fresh off a goal for Sassuolo, or the Hearts trio of James Wilson, Calvin Miller, and Josh McPake, are all under consideration.
Pocognoli faces a delicate balancing act as he attempts to steer Scotland into its next chapter while weighing the merits of fresh energy against established experience.