Pocognoli names seven uncapped in 28-man Scotland squad for Slovenia Nations League opener

Sebastien Pocognoli has selected a 28-man Scotland squad that includes seven uncapped players for his first competitive fixture, the Nations League opener in Slovenia on 26 September. The 39-year-old's maiden squad contains six new call-ups and the opener will be broadcast live on the BBC, launching an extended four-game international period.

The selection has been described as a refreshed defence, a more-of-the-same midfield and an exciting, new-look attack, and the players have not yet convened for training. Pocognoli’s choices have already drawn attention ahead of the group’s first meetings and matches, with supporters awaiting how the coach’s preferred style will translate on the grass.

There were no new additions in goal, with Angus Gunn, now playing with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS, on 25 caps and expected to continue between the sticks. Pocognoli highlighted style as a factor in his picks, naming Falkirk's Scott Bain as a goalkeeper who can deal with the ball at his feet; Jon McCracken is playing regularly for Bradford City in England's League One, while "Liam Kelly very much remains second choice at Rangers."

Defensively, Pocognoli has favoured a back three in his work at Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco and has selected players to fit that approach, seeking aggression in and out of possession and defenders capable of brave passing and covering ground when playing a high line. Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney have prior experience of a back three under Steve Clarke, and Andy Robertson brings minutes at left wing-back; Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Colby Donovan are options for the opposite flank, with the coach saying Donovan has impressed "but needs to improve on things like every young lad." Uncapped centre-backs Luis Binks, Stephen Welsh and Luke Graham add depth: Brondby captain Binks "qualifies for Scotland through a grandparent" and, at 25, the left-footed centre-back has played in the MLS, Serie A, the English Championship and Denmark's top tier after spells with Bologna and Como. Stoke's Graham enjoyed a breakthrough at Dundee last season and "continues to excel in England's second division," while Swansea's Welsh showed he could thrive in a possession-based Motherwell side last term.

The midfield selection sees Scott McTominay absent after a successful heart procedure, and Udinese's Lennon Miller returns after being left out of Clarke's World Cup squad. There is a return for McTominay's Napoli team-mate Billy Gilmour, who suffered a crushing injury just before the start of the finals and is described in the squad announcement as "Arguably Scotland's most composed midfielder and best progressive passer," with many expecting the 25-year-old to fit Pocognoli's system; Miller, 20, is also included. The seven-man midfield contains experienced campaigners John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Lewis Ferguson, and features Hearts' Josh McPake.

Wide attacking options include Ben Gannon-Doak, Findlay Curtis and McPake, while the centre-forward role is open after injuries to Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland and the omission of Lyndon Dykes. A free-scoring spell in Sweden earned Robbie Ure the number nine shirt at Sevilla but he is "yet to score since his switch to La Liga." Pocognoli said, "Players who are performing well are in the new pathway," and added of Ure: "Robbie is adapting well to La Liga. He's put in some good performances, but he maybe needs to adapt to the intensity. Being selected gives him an opportunity." Oli McBurnie and his Hull team have made an impressive return to the Premier League, and Sassuolo's Kieron Bowie scored in a win against Juventus on Sunday. On McBurnie's inclusion the coach said: "It's regarding style of play, playing time and performance. I have to start on a new journey, a new book and it's a new opportunity for some players."

Pocognoli has also spoken of mixing youth with the "DNA and heritage" of his squad, evidenced by the inclusion of teenage James Wilson, who is showing signs of fulfilling his serious potential at Hearts. McPake, signed this summer from St Johnstone, is listed as a midfielder despite featuring on the left wing for Tynecastle and "was a Stirling Albion player just two years ago."

By the end of the first week in October the Tartan Army, many of whom have been calling for what Pocognoli is preaching to deliver, will have a clearer idea of what that formula is going to look like on the grass, with a fascinating four-match window approaching.