Sébastien Pocognoli: I didn't just pick young players in Scotland squad to try something new

Sébastien Pocognoli says he didn’t just pick young players in his first Scotland squad to try something new.

On Tuesday, the new Scotland boss revealed his 26-man side for the campaign, which will kick off with a match against Slovenia on September 26.

Scotland will also take on Switzerland and North Macedonia in the 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League.

The Belgian stuck with Scotland favourites Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Angus Gunn and Ben Gannon-Doak.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has missed out on a spot as he recovers from a successful recent heart procedure, while Torino’s Ché Adams is injured.

Pocognoli also picked seven uncapped players, including striker Robbie Ure, who scored 20 goals in 20 games for Swedish side Sirius, before sealing a £5.5m move to Sevilla in the summer.

Swansea City’s Stephen Welsh has earned his first senior call up, alongside Celtic’s Colby Donovan, Brondby’s Luis Binks and Stoke City’s Luke Graham.

Hearts winger Josh McPake has also been selected for the squad alongside teammate James Wilson, and uncapped goalie Jon McCracken has returned to the Scotland fold after impressing at Bradford City.

Pocognoli said: “We have a good mix of experienced players and new faces.

“I don’t need to convince the players to represent their country, for me it’s about timing.”

On bringing a new generation in, he added: “To be clear I want to do this but I will never do it just because I want to try things.

“I did it because the players selected are performing well. There are young lads but they need experienced players.

“We have a lot of leaders and players who know how to win games.”

Pocognoli signed an initial two-year deal to become Scotland’s head coach in August, after Steve Clarke stepped down in June.

Clarke resigned after Scotland crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage.