Time for Pocognoli to pick - will it be a new-look Scotland squad?
September 14, 2026 09:21
Sebastien Pocognoli is due to name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday for upcoming UEFA Nations League B matches. The selection will be his first major opportunity to reshape a group largely assembled under former boss Steve Clarke.
There is debate over whether Pocognoli will preserve Clarke’s established core or introduce new faces. BBC Scotland has highlighted a number of uncapped or out-of-favour players who could be considered.
KEY CONTEXT
Steve Clarke managed Scotland for seven years and prioritised consistency in squad selection; that approach coincided with Scotland reaching a men’s World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Some supporters criticised Clarke’s loyalty for limiting fresh blood.
Goalkeeping remains a prominent area of concern. Angus Gunn started for Scotland at the World Cup but has conceded 21 goals in nine Major League Soccer appearances since moving to San Jose Earthquakes, though he produced several notable saves in a recent win. Veteran Craig Gordon has retired, and Liam Kelly has not featured since Derek McInnes became Rangers manager, leaving room for changes. Scott Bain — a four-cap goalkeeper who was playing regularly for Falkirk and missed out on the World Cup trip — has produced a mix of performances this season and has been publicly suggested as a potential starter. Liam McFarlane, 21, who was a training goalkeeper with the World Cup squad, is on loan at Partick Thistle and has conceded one goal in five Championship games, making him a candidate for a third-choice role.
At the back, there are selection questions as well: Grant Hanley left Hibernian’s recent match with a limp, and John Souttar has not been named in Rangers’ matchday squads this season amid outside interest. Stephen Welsh moved from Celtic into a strong season on loan at Motherwell and has adapted well to life at Swansea in the Championship, prompting calls for a senior recall. Luke Graham, who trained with the A-squad ahead of the World Cup and sat on the bench for the Curacao friendly, has since joined Stoke City. Luis Binks, a left-footed centre-back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, previously represented Scotland at under-18 level before playing for England youth teams.