Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has recalled Scott McTominay and Che Adams while handing a first senior call-up to Rangers defender James Penrice for the key Nations League double-header. The squad announcement comes after a 1-2 home defeat to Slovenia earlier this month, a result that leaves the team third in Group B1 with just one win in their last four matches.
McTominay returns after missing the last international break following minor heart surgery at Napoli. The midfielder has scored four goals in seven outings since his recovery, showing no lasting effects from the procedure. Striker Che Adams is also back in the fold, having regained full fitness at Torino where he netted twice in his last four appearances. Their return provides a significant boost for a side that must collect at least four points from its final two games to have any chance of securing a promotion play-off spot.
Penrice rewarded with maiden call-up
James Penrice’s consistent performances for Rangers, where he has been used in multiple positions including midfield, have earned him a debut senior call-up. The 22-year-old, on loan from AEK Athens, is seen as a versatile option for Pocognoli. Oli McBurnie also returns to the international setup after a five-year absence, with the striker revealing he received a surprise FaceTime call from the new head coach asking if he was available.
Injuries force several key absences
The squad is shaped by several notable omissions due to injury and form. Defender Scott McKenna misses out after picking up a back strain that will keep him sidelined for Dinamo Zagreb for a further fortnight. Kenny McLean is absent due to ongoing fitness issues, having managed only 45 minutes of action since withdrawing from the previous squad. Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan and James Wilson have all dropped out following recent club struggles.
Must-win scenario for Pocognoli's side
Scotland’s task is clear. They host bottom side North Macedonia at Hampden Park on 13 November before travelling to face group leaders Switzerland, who have a perfect record from their four games. A minimum of four points is required to keep any hope of a top-two finish alive, and even that may not be enough without Slovenia dropping points in their remaining matches. A defeat to North Macedonia would leave Scotland facing the real possibility of relegation to League C. The Scots won the reverse fixture 0-2 in Skopje last month, with goals from Kieron Bowie and John McGinn.
Pocognoli’s refreshed 26-man group includes returning defenders Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson, while uncapped Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery retains his place. The squad must quickly move on from the disappointing home loss to Slovenia, where Ryan Christie’s first-half opener was cancelled out by two second-half Slovenian goals. All focus now turns to the must-win encounter with North Macedonia in ten days' time.
Read the full report at The Scotsman Football
