Pocognoli banks on Gilmour and Robertson for Scotland's Slovenia debut
Under the bright lights of Napoli's Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Billy Gilmour struck a second‑senior goal to earn a 1‑1 draw with Fiorentina, a performance that earned him man of the match. The moment coincides with Sebastien Pocognoli unveiling his first Scotland squad for the Nations League.
Pocognoli named 28 players for Scotland’s opening four Nations League fixtures, and none have withdrawn through injury. However, 29‑year‑old Scott McTominay, a Napoli midfielder, was omitted after undergoing minor heart surgery that will keep him out for a few weeks. Rangers’ Lawrence Shankland and Torino’s Che Adams also miss out, both sidelined by injury.
Forward options reshaped by injuries
The absences of Shankland and Adams opened space for fresh faces up front. Recalled striker Oli McBurnie continues to start for Hull City in the Premier League, while Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis and Ben Gannon‑Doak were limited to the bench over the weekend for their clubs. Only limited minutes for 19‑year‑old Gannon‑Doak raise concerns about his match sharpness.
Goalkeeping choices stabilise
Steve Clarke’s predecessor struggled to find a reliable custodian after veteran Craig Gordon’s career waned. Angus Gunn, now a regular starter for San Jose Earthquakes following his summer move from Nottingham Forest, has become Scotland’s first‑choice keeper. Scott Bain impresses for Falkirk and Jon McCracken helped Bradford City top League One, leaving only Liam Kelly without regular club minutes.
Pocognoli says Scotland stay on track after Slovenia defeat
All seven central‑midfield options featured in the weekend’s club action. Lennon Miller started Udinese’s 1‑0 loss to Cagliari, while Billy Gilmour scored his second senior goal in Napoli’s 1‑1 draw with Fiorentina and collected man of the match honours. Lewis Ferguson captained Bologna in their 1‑1 draw with Torino, and John McGinn supplied an assist in Tottenham’s 3‑2 defeat, as did Scotland left‑back Andy Robertson.
Defensive depth remains mixed. Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson and Josh Doig each suffered defeats after starting for their clubs, while Nathan Patterson made his second substitute appearance since his Everton loan right‑back continues to be a problem area for Scotland. Only Scott McKenna did not feature for Dinamo Zagreb in their win over Lokomotiva, leaving him the sole defender without recent club action.
Robbie Ure returned to Sevilla’s starting XI in a 3‑1 loss to Barcelona, and James Wilson reclaimed a first‑team place at Heart of Midlothian after his loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Aaron Hickey was subbed off in Brentford’s 3‑0 victory over Chelsea, and Colby Donovan started for the Scottish champions despite their third consecutive defeat.
Pocognoli can now look to the experienced trio of Billy Gilmour, Andy Robertson and John McGinn to spark creativity as Scotland travel to Slovenia on Saturday for their Nations League opener. Their recent club performances suggest a blend of energy and experience that could prove decisive.