Pocognoli assesses 28-man Scotland group after weekend club action ahead of Nations League debut
Sebastien Pocognoli's first Scotland squad — an extended 28-player group named for the opening four Nations League fixtures — is being assessed after the weekend's club matches on 21 September 2026. Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams were notable absentees through injury, but none of the 28 named players have withdrawn since the squad was announced.
Goalkeeping had been an issue under predecessor Steve Clarke, with 84-cap Craig Gordon nearing the end of his career and backups frequently short of minutes. Angus Gunn is now a regular starter for San Jose Earthquakes following his summer transfer from Nottingham Forest. Scott Bain is performing well for Falkirk and Jon McCracken's move from Dundee has coincided with Bradford City rising to the top of League One. That form leaves Rangers' Liam Kelly as the only goalkeeper in Pocognoli's group not playing for his club at the weekend.
The forward options were reshaped by the absences of Shankland and Adams, giving room for recalled players and newcomers to stake claims. Oli McBurnie continued to start for Hull City in their return to the Premier League. Robbie Ure returned to Sevilla's starting XI in their 3-1 defeat to La Liga leaders Barcelona, while James Wilson has established a first-team place after his return to Heart of Midlothian from a loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Kieron Bowie and wingers Findlay Curtis and Ben Gannon-Doak were used from the bench for Sassuolo, Rangers and Bournemouth respectively.
Pocognoli's seven central midfield options all started over the weekend. Lennon Miller featured in Udinese's 1-0 home defeat by Cagliari, and Billy Gilmour scored only his second senior goal in Napoli's 1-1 draw at Fiorentina and was named man of the match. Lewis Ferguson continued to start every game as Bologna captain, including their 1-1 draw with Torino. Ryan Christie made only his second start of the season but was substituted after 75 minutes in a 1-0 home defeat by Liverpool; 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak again had limited minutes.
Right-back remained an area of concern as Nathan Patterson made his second appearance as a substitute since his loan move from Everton. Aaron Hickey came off the bench in Brentford's 3-0 win over Chelsea. Colby Donovan started for Celtic as the Scottish champions suffered a third straight defeat, while Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson and Josh Doig all started for their clubs and finished on the losing side. Scott McKenna was an unused substitute as Dinamo Zagreb beat Lokomotiva and was the only defensive option not to play among Pocognoli's selections.
Billy Gilmour was the only member of the Scotland squad to score in weekend fixtures. Andy Robertson and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn each provided an assist in Tottenham Hotspur's 3-2 defeat, with McGinn setting up Villa's third goal in that match.
Scotland begin their Nations League campaign away to Slovenia on Saturday, with Pocognoli monitoring the fitness and form of his extended 28-player squad ahead of those opening matches.
