Pocognoli faces selection decisions ahead of Scotland v Switzerland at Hampden

Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of his first game at Hampden for Scotland in a Nations League fixture against Switzerland on Tuesday 29 September, 19:45 BST, following an encouraging draw away to Slovenia. Squad selection and tactical choices are under scrutiny after Scotland dominated the second half in Ljubljana but failed to score.

Pocognoli named eight uncapped players in his first Scotland squad, with Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh among the starters in Slovenia. Ben Gannon-Doak and Kieron Bowie were the only substitutes used as Scotland could not break the deadlock despite second-half control. The team lined up with three centre-backs — Jack Hendry and Welsh flanking Scott McKenna — and used Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey as wing-backs to supply crosses for Oli McBurnie and Ure.

There were worrying signs in the opening 45 minutes in Slovenia as the hosts routinely stole in behind Scotland's high line, though the manager is unlikely to abandon his defensive approach so early in his reign. After the goalless game, Pocognoli said: "We had a lot of good movement through the side, through the lines and we should have scored to be honest," and added: "But the counter-press was good, the high [line] of the defence was good, just because the position of the players was better [in the second half]." He also said: "Clean sheet, that's also positive, but we want to win."

Uncapped pair Luis Binks and Luke Graham are the other centre-halves in the squad, increasing the likelihood of Hendry, Welsh and McKenna starting together again. Gannon-Doak was introduced with just over 10 minutes remaining and was credited with adding menace after replacing Hickey, though he is not an obvious fit at wing-back; Pocognoli could consider using his pace in a more advanced role rather than persisting with two strikers. With four Nations League matches across 11 days in this window, the manager is expected to rotate his squad.

Midfield options also present choices for Pocognoli. John McGinn started as a number 10 in Slovenia and was rather subdued, but the article notes his experience, running power and goal threat. Billy Gilmour was identified as the stand-out performer on Pocognoli's debut, operating in a double pivot with Lewis Ferguson before taking a more advanced role after the break and "popping up regularly around the edge of the penalty box." Ryan Christie is mentioned as a midfield alternative who "offers relentless energy and can fit in just about anywhere," and the piece notes that "Under Steve Clarke he did not get many chances in the middle of the park where he has done so well for Bournemouth."

The striking department features Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure and Oli McBurnie, with the article stating all three are "in good form and confident." It reports that Ure and McBurnie are yet to score for their clubs this term but both had positive moments in Slovenia: McBurnie dropped a little deeper after half-time, is described as the oldest and most experienced of the trio and "has yet to score after racking up 17 caps," and he "should have done better with a chance against the imposing Jan Oblak, who pinched the ball off his feet." Pat Nevin labelled Ure "elegant" and showing "effortless" movement; Ure contested 18 duels — the most of any Scotland player — and his strike crashed off the post on the stroke of half time. Bowie, introduced with roughly 20 minutes to go, was called a smart addition but "should have put Scotland ahead when he pulled an effort wide of the post."

Pocognoli must now decide whether to start two of the three strikers against Switzerland, who were comfortable 3-0 winners in North Macedonia, or to alter the balance with more pace or an extra midfielder for the Nations League tie at Hampden on Tuesday 29 September, 19:45 BST.