Scotland manager Pocognoli has unveiled a refreshed 28-man squad featuring seven uncapped players for the upcoming Nations League matches. The selection signals a new direction as the team prepares for four games, starting away to Slovenia on 26 September.
Scotland currently sit third in their World Cup qualifying group with three points from three matches. Their recent form shows three wins and two defeats from the last five outings, including losses to Brazil and Morocco in June. The full list of recent results is available on our stats page.
Seven players are in line for their first senior caps. The uncapped trio of Luis Binks, Stephen Welsh and Luke Graham bolsters the centre-back options. Binks, 25, qualifies through a grandparent and brings experience from MLS, Serie A and the English Championship. Welsh and Graham are left-footed defenders with extensive experience in England's second tier.
In midfield, 20-year-old Lennon Miller returns after being left out of the previous World Cup squad and is seen as a key figure. Josh McPake, a 24-year-old signed from St Johnstone who plays on the left wing for Hearts, is also included. Up front, Oli McBurnie receives his first call-up in five years, while teenage Hearts forward James Wilson adds youthful promise.
Pocognoli has confirmed he will use a back-three formation. Experienced defenders Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney are familiar with this system. Options for the wing-back roles include Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and young Colby Donovan.
In midfield, Billy Gilmour is expected to thrive after returning from injury. He joins a seasoned group including John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Lewis Ferguson. The manager has selected a seven-man midfield unit to provide control and creativity.
This squad blends new talent with established names as Scotland look to build momentum. The team has conceded four goals while scoring only one in their three World Cup qualifiers so far.
The four-match international window represents a key period for Pocognoli to implement his ideas. After the trip to Slovenia, further Nations League fixtures will follow. Supporters can plan ahead by viewing the complete fixtures schedule. The manager's bold selections aim to inject fresh energy into a squad seeking consistency after a mixed run of results.
Read the full report at BBC Sport Football
