Scotland National Team Archives

Six players who Sebastien Pocognoli could hand Scotland debuts to next month.

Sebastien Pocognoli confirmed his Scotland backroom staff yesterday, and will confirm his first squad on Tuesday ahead of the first round of fixtures in the UEFA Nations League. Many are expecting a new era to begin on the pitch, along as in the dugout. Scotland mainstays Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland are already confirmed to be missing Pocognoli’s first camp, but it’s likely many of Steve Clarke’s World Cup camp have played their last matches for Scotland. Clarke always maintained loyalty to players who helped him qualify for tournaments, which led to criticism from fans for failing to adapt to an ageing squad. But, Pocognoli doesn’t hold this loyalty. He’s also been known to promote younger players during his management career, and with a promising young generation of players coming through, some of Clarke’s favoured players could make way to usher in a younger generation. Here’s a handful of players who could be handed their first Scotland call-ups on Tuesday. Josh McPake: The Hearts winger has been one of the standouts of the season so far and thoroughly deserves a call-up. Pocognoli was present for the recent Edinburgh Derby, where McPake provided a goal and assist. The only thing going against his call-up chances is that Pocognoli typically favours a 3-4-1-2 formation, which leaves little space for wingers. Calvin Miller: Whilst Miller has spent a lot of time on the right-wing this season, he excelled on Falkirk’s left flank last year, and even had a stint at left-back in August. Kieran Tierney seems better suited to a left centre-back role as opposed to wing-back, and Andy Robertson isn’t getting any younger, handing Miller his Scotland debut makes perfect sense next month. Robbie Ure: The Sevilla striker was in fine form in Sweden before sealing his switch to Spain. It makes sense that Ure is handed his first Scotland cap given his goalscoring form, age and level he’s playing at. Luis Binks: Despite playing every minute in the Champions League qualifiers, minutes have been hard to come by for Scott McKenna in the Coatian league this season. Binks if four years younger and offers similar qualities to McKenna in the left-side of a back three, whilst also playing every minute in the Danish Superliga this season, captaining Brondby. Binks could offer a breath of fresh air at a time that feels like a sliding doors moment for the National Team. Stephen Welsh: He was in fine form at Motherwell last season and probably deserved his seat on the plane to America. Welsh has been a mainstay in the Swansea defence this season as they find themselves third in the Championship. Josh Mulligan: Given Scotland’s midfield options, this could be an outside shout, but even given a recent dip in form, Mulligan has been a great addition at Hibernian, and could be in line for a debut. Analysing Scotland’s last World Cup squad, McTominay will miss September’s camp, it’s unlikely Tyler fletcher returns to the squad this soon (granted Billy Gilmour is available for selection once more). There’s a chance Kenny McLean doesn’t return to the National Team again at 34-years-old, so a big change in midfield options could make room for Mulligan. Between his time at Dundee and Hibs, Mulligan is used to playing in front of a back three and has also been known to fill in at the right-side of defence from time to time. The Hibs midfielder has been involved at Scotland before, earning a late call-up for October’s home win against Belarus, but didn’t get on the park for his first cap. On the other end, players such as Grant Hanley and John Souttar could be the ones to make way for a new wave of Welsh and Binks, whilst a forward combination of Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst and Ross Stewart could allow for Ure to come into the squad. Whilst he’s already made his debut, Sassuolo’s Kieron Bowie is also a promising option to lead the Scotland front-line for years to come.

September 10, 2026

Napoli Give McTominay Update as Scotland Star Prepares for Heart Surgery

Napoli have confirmed that Scotland international Scott McTominay is not expected to return to action until mid-October as he prepares to undergo heart surgery. The procedure, which is scheduled to take place in London in the coming days, will correct a mild benign arrhythmia. Following surgery, the midfielder will enter a carefully managed recovery period before returning to full training and competitive action. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna provided an update on McTominay’s condition during an interview with DAZN, outlining the expected timeline for his return .”It will take 28 days to regain sporting fitness because he will be taking anticoagulant medication,” said Manna. “For two weeks, the player will rest before gradually resuming competitive activity without contact.” McTominay’s last appearance came in Napoli’s 2-1 home defeat to Como on 30 August, where he started and played 56 minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. While no definitive return date has been set, the Scotland star could miss Champions League clashes against Villarreal and Bodø/Glimt during his recovery. The 29-year-old has become one of Napoli’s most influential players since joining from Manchester United. He has registered 27 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2024/25 Serie A title triumph. His outstanding performances were recognised with the Serie A Player of the Year award, underlining his importance to Antonio Conte’s side. Despite his long-term significance to the club, discussions over a contract extension have yet to reach a breakthrough. McTominay currently has two years remaining on his deal, although Napoli are eager to secure his future beyond that. Addressing the situation, Manna said: “McTominay’s contract renewal? Scott says he doesn’t know at this time whether he will renew. He has a two-year contract, we want to do it, and he wants to do it too. It’s not always easy to make everything align, but we’re working on it.” The midfielder will be unavailable for the nation’s opening four UEFA Nations League fixtures against Switzerland, North Macedonia and Slovenia, with Sébastien Pocognoli beginning his tenure at the helm of the national team without one of Scotland’s most experienced and influential players.

September 8, 2026

Scots Abroad Watch week three: Two Scotsmen on the scoresheet in Italy

It’s been a busy week for the Scottish contingent abroad. Nathan Patterson has joined the long list of Scottish players in Italy whilst Josh Doig and Ché Adams scored over the weekend. Another Scotsman was also on the move in MLS. Scott McTominay: In the past week it’s been announced Scott McTominay will undergo a minor heart surgery, causing him to miss over a month of football. The midfielder is expected back after the international break. Josh Doig, Kieron Bowie & Lewis Ferguson: Another all-Scottish clash in the Serie A saw Josh Doig & Kieron Bowie’s Sassuolo clash with Lewis Ferguson’s Bologna side. The match ended 2-2 as Doig scored the opening goal. All three players started the match. Ché Adams & Nathan Patterson: Ché Adams scored a late winner as Torino defeated Fiorentina 2-1 away from home. Nathan Patterson made his debut after signing for the club on deadline day. Danny Armstrong: The ex-Kilmarnock winger continued his fine form in Romania as he provided two assists for Dinamo Bucharest as they defeated Steaua Bucharest 2-1 in the derby. Dinamo are currently top of the Romanian league. Luis Binks: Despite a 3-0 loss, Binks captained Danish side Brondby yet again at the weekend. Capped at U16 level, Binks has played every minute in the Danish Superliga this season. Scott McKenna: The Hadjuk Split defender played the full match as his side defeated HNK Gorica 1-0. They currently sit 2nd in the Croatian league. Lewis Morgan: The winger signed for his fourth MLS side last week as he completed a move to Toronto from San Diego. He’d make his debut days later in a 4-4 draw against Chicago Fire.

September 7, 2026

Scott McTominay to miss September internationals

It has been announced that Scotland star-man Scott McTominay will miss Sebastien Pocognolis first Scotland camp as the midfielder is preparing to undergo heart surgery. McTominay started Napoli’s 2-1 loss to Como at the weekend, but was replaced by Kevin De Bruyne before the hour mark. Luckily, the procedure is only said to be a minor one, with Napoli expecting McTominay to return after the international break, meaning he should be available for November’s international camp. Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of his first Scotland match away to Slovenia in just over three weeks. Whilst McTominay won’t be in the Belgian’s first squad, it’s expected that the team to begin the UEFA Nations League Campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

September 2, 2026

Nathan Patterson set to become the next Scot playing in Serie A

Per Fabrizio Romano, Everton right-back Nathan Patterson is set to join Torino on a permanent deal. Patterson came through the Rangers academy, breaking into the first team during the league winning campaign of 2020/21. He’d then join Everton in January 2022 in a deal believed to be worth over £10,000,000. The Scotsman has struggled with injuries during his four-and-a-half years at Everton, only making 68 appearances for the club in that time span. The 24-year-old has been capped 29 times so far for Scotland and played in all three of this summer’s World Cup games, starting the latter two against Morocco and Brazil. A big talking point of Everton’s transfer window has been the hunt for a right-back following Seamus Coleman’s departure, but it seems they’re about to let another one go as Patterson heads to Turin to join Ché Adams. Should the move go through, he will become the eighth member of the Scotland National Team plying their trade in Italy.

September 1, 2026

Scots Abroad Watch week two: All-Scottish clash in Serie A

Over the weekend three Scotsmen shared the pitch in Serie A as Sassuolo met Torino. Robbie Ure also provided his first assist in Spain as the European leagues ease in. Two clean sheets for Scotsmen in MLS were extremely welcome given their sides recent performances. Liam Henderson: The Hibernian Scottish Cup hero has been plying his trade in Italy for some time now, playing for his sixth Italian club. Now in his second season, Henderson has been wearing the armband this season as the club aims to get out of Serie B. He played the full 90 minutes as his side lost 2-1 at home to Juve Stabia. Sampdoria currently sit 14th in Italy’s third tier. Ryan Porteous: Another ex-Hibs man playing abroad, Porteous’ LA FC side ended their two-game losing run with a 0-0 draw away to DC United. Porteous hasn’t been capped for Scotland since he was sent off in the EURO 2024 opener. Angus Gunn: Another Scotsman ended their MLS losing run this weekend as Angus Gunn’s San Jose Earthquakes drew 0-0 in Texas against Houston Dynamo. Robbie Ure: Sevilla’s new striker earned his first goal contribution in La Liga as he provided an assist in Sevilla’s 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig & Ché Adams: Sassuolo met Torino in Italy’s top tier this weekend, meaning Kieron Bowie and Josh Doig faced off against Ché Adams. All three Scotsmen started as Sassuolo won 2-1, leaving Torino without a win in their opening two. Scott McTominay& Billy Gilmour: Napoli were defeated 2-1 at home to Cesc Fabregas’ Como side this weekend. Billy Gilmour was once more an unused subtitle for Massimiliano Allegri as McTominay was replaced by Kevin De Bruyne just before the hour mark. Danny Armstong: The former Kilmarnock man has had a great start to the season in Romania so far, providing seven goal contributions in as many games. Despite not scoring or assisting this weekend, Armstrong played the whole match as Dinamo Bucharest drew 1-1 away to Cornivul Hunedoara.

August 31, 2026

Scots Abroad Watch week one: Ché Adams scores wonder goal for Torino

With many Scottish players, some familiar, some uncapped now plying their trade abroad, Sebastien Pocognoli may need to look further afield in the lead-up to announcing his first Scotland squad. Here’s a look into how some of these players got on as European leagues begin to kick-off and the MLS returns from the World Cup. Angus Gunn: It’s not been the start to life Angus Gunn would have wanted Stateside. He’s played six games for San Jose so far, losing five of which. On Saturday, his side were defeated 5-1 at home to Minnesota United. San Jose currently sit 4th in the Western Conference as the MLS play-offs loom. Kieron Bowie & Josh Doig: Kieron Bowie made his league debut for Sassuolo as he and Josh Doig were defeated 2-1 by Atalanta in the league’s opener this weekend. Whilst Bowie is only on loan at Sassuolo, there is a possibility the move becomes permanent. Hibernian will be hoping that is the case next season if they are to make even more money on their already record sale. Ché Adams: The Torino forward played 20 minutes at the weekend as his side were defeated 2-1 by Ruben Amorim’s Milan side. Adams scored a fantastic volley to open his account this season, albeit a 93rd minute consolation goal. Scott McTominay: Napoli started their league campaign in pursuit of another Scudetto by defeating Genoa 2-0 away from home. Scott McTominay played the full 90 minutes as Billy Gilmour was an unused substitute. Robbie Ure: Sevilla’s new forward played his first 90 minutes at the weekend as his side defeated Athletic Club 3-1 in Bilbao. Sevilla currently sit atop La Liga.

August 26, 2026

Tony Docherty and Steven Naismith Take Charge of Scotland U21s

Scotland U21s have announced today their management team of Tony Docherty as Head Coach and Steven Naismith as assistant manager. They come in as the replacement for Scot Gemmill, who departed his role in July after thirteen years. Docherty haș been out of worked since December of last year, when he left Ross County following a mixed spell at Dundee. Naismith left his role as First Team Assistant Manager alongside Steve Clarke and was heavily rumoured to be in position to take over from 62-year-old, but it is unclear if this was ever a possibility before the SFA went for Sebastien Pocognoli. The new U21s Head Coach told the official SFA website: “I have had the privilege of coaching within the Scotland A squad set-up before, and more recently within the Coach Education team. “You are always proud to represent your country, in whatever capacity. It doesn’t get any better than that. “I am looking forward to getting straight to work, and I’m delighted I’ll be joined by Steven, who I have so much respect for as a coach, as a player, and as an individual. “I had several lengthy conversations with Craig Mulholland and then met Sébastien Pocognoli as part of the process. Everyone is aligned on creating a clear national team and player identity, and about doing everything we can to improve every aspect of the national game. “I’m equally enthused by the challenge of supporting our clubs, in a unique new initiative, ensuring we all work together creating real growth. “It’s up to us to make sure the national team experience is the best that it can be, while pushing young Scottish players to be the best they can be.” And Naismith also added: “Representing Scotland, in various capacities now, has meant so much to me. “I’ve learned a lot along the way and it’s great to have the opportunity, alongside Tony and the rest of the staff, to pass those experiences on to those hoping to carve out international careers. “I was fortunate to be part of the staff that took Scotland back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and there is a burning desire within the Scottish FA to ensure there is no repeat of that wait. “There are strong foundations to build on, but there is an obvious drive, energy and focus to enhance every aspect further and see how far it can take us. “I am delighted to, of course, be coaching a Scotland team with Tony, but I am most excited by the mentorship programme I will lead, sharing my experiences as a player, manager and coach with some of our brightest young players.”

August 24, 2026

Pocognoli Appointment “Exciting for the nation” – John Spencer

John Spencer has hailed the appointment of Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland manager as a “refreshing” shift in direction, believing the Belgian can build upon the strong foundations left by Steve Clarke. Speaking on the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast, the former Chelsea striker pointed to Pocognoli’s impressive track record at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he guided the club to their first league title in 90 years. “I think they won the first league title under him, got them qualification to the Champions League for the first time in their history. I think it’s a good, refreshing appointment,” Spencer said. However, Spencer acknowledged the sudden and dramatic nature of the transition following Clarke’s departure after the World Cup. “You’ve got to look at it two ways. It’s a massive change of direction from Steve Clarke. Only six or eight weeks ago, they handed a new four-year contract to Stevie, who has been very successful with a more pragmatic style of play and got us to major tournaments, and then he resigns just after the World Cup exit. “All of a sudden, they were using AI, and now we’re moving to this fast, open, free-flowing type of coach. It’s almost like somebody’s just ripped up the script, written a new playbook, and this is the direction they’re going in. But listen, it could be quite exciting. Hopefully, for the nation, it is.” The Tartan Army won’t have to wait long to see the new-look side in action. Pocognoli will take charge for a crucial four-match block of UEFA Nations League fixtures across September and October against North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Listen to John Spencer and Scott Bradley’s full discussion on Pocognoli’s intriguing appointment on the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast

August 20, 2026

Sebastien Pocognoli announced as Scotland boss: Here’s what to expect

Scotland have finally announced Steve Clarke’s replacement with 39-year-old Belgian Sebastien Pocognoli taking the job on a two-year deal. It’s been a lengthy process with numerous names thrown around. Many fans were keen to see another Scotsman take the helm, but it felt there was no obvious candidates which has led to Pocognoli becoming only the second foreign Scotland manager after Berti Vogts. This will only be Pocognoli’s third senior role in management, but his appointment appears not only left-field, but ambitious. The Belgian’s first major coaching role was at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he guided them to their first league title in 90 years during his first season in the dugout. The Belgian Pro League operates similar to the Scottish Premiership with a ‘split’ and USG (who are also associated with Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics) won nine of their final ten games to seal the title. Pocognoli has also managed AS Monaco, where a lack of financial backing may explain the poor performances that saw him sacked. Upon becoming Scotland boss, Pocognoli said: “It’s a very strong challenge, with a project to develop the future of Scottish football. There are the metrics, but the human aspect was also very important. I never go to a challenge where I can’t feel the connection. “Scotland is a passionate country and I think also, regarding the strong foundation that Steve Clarke and his staff laid, that I can use this heritage to put the next accent on the style of play while also developing players for the future. “That’s why I’m here.” But what can Scotland fans expect from the ex-Brighton left-back? Developing the youth: The aforementioned stress on developing younger players may lead to names such as Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure, Josh Doig, Ben Gannon-Doak and many more being Scotland mainstays for years to come. Some older players Scotland fans are used to seeing over the years may need to make way for this resurgence of exciting youth. Style of play Like many modern managers, Pocognoli has installed a distinct brand of football he wants his teams to play. It seems Scotland will play a 3-4-1-2 formation under the Belgian with an emphasis on pressing the opposition when out of possession and fluid, attacking football when in it. Pocognoli’s USG side scored 15 goals from set plays during their league winning campaign in 2024/25. His Scotland team could go onto be dangerous from set-plays, with aerial threats such as Scott McTominay, Jack Hendry and Lawrence Shankland. If only Scotland still had Austin MacPhee. His first Scotland camp will be the first of a new, elongated international break in September and October. His side will play four games, taking on Switzerland and North Macedonia in-between home and away ties to Slovenia in the UEFA Nations League.

August 17, 2026