Sebastien Pocognoli must take next Scotland step - especially with two key reinforcements

There was a certain amount of grace afforded to Sebastien Pocognoli’s first international break as Scotland manager.

Back in September/October, Scotland played four Nations League B1 matches across three weeks - defeating North Macedonia in Skopje, drawing with Slovenia in Ljubljana and losing at home to Switzerland and the Slovenians.

A new voice, a new style and some new players. Debuts were given to defenders Stephen Welsh, Luis Binks, Luke Graham, winger Josh McPake and striker Robbie Ure. The likes of Oli McBurnie returned. A fresh formation was implemented. Pocognoli’s Scotland looked very different to his predecessor, Steve Clarke.

Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is searching for his first win at Hampden. | SNS Group

The change has largely been welcomed amid criticism of a stale style under Clarke. And up until the visit of Slovenia in the final match of the quartet, there was optimism that Scotland were going in the right direction. The 2-1 reversal by the visitors, however, leaves Scotland in an unenviable position in this group. Finishing second is the best Pocognoli can hope for, and that would require at the very least taking four points from North Macedonia and Switzerland in the final two matches.

Last time out, four points on the road was pleasing. The 3-0 defeat by Switzerland - World Cup quarter-finalists, it must be stressed - could be partly explained by an early red card for Jack Hendry. The performance against Slovenia at home raised concerns, though, with Scotland too open, fatigued and meek in the final third.

Pocognoli knows that at the very least in this international fortnight, Scotland must beat North Macedonia at Hampden on Friday. The Balkan nation are toiling, have not taken a point so far and looked bedraggled when Scotland vanquished them. It would breathe some confidence into the team ahead of Monday’s trip to St Gallen, where Scotland will face a Swiss side that may already have top spot sewn up.

Finishing second would require positive results in both fixtures. Doing so would be significant, as it would make Scotland second seeds in next month’s Euro 2028 qualification draw.

What is more feasible is improvement from Scotland. While the team certainly played with more adventure and gumption, there remained a lack of ruthlessness in the final third. Kieron Bowie scored his first goal for his country, but McBurnie remains strike-less after 20 appearances. Perhaps the North Macedonians will be more accommodating.

Pocognoli is able to replenish his forward line with two important members of the Scotland squad for the past few years. Torino striker Che Adams missed out last time due to a muscle injury, but he is fit and firing in Serie A, having scored four goals this season. Often asked to plough a lone furrow under Clarke, it will be fascinating to see how he thrives in a more forward-thinking set-up - and potentially with a partner up top.

McTominay’s return brings decisions in Scotland midfield

Adams’ return is welcomed but there can be no doubt that Pocognoli will be most excited to work with Scott McTominay. The 29-year-old talisman was ruled out of the first camp with a minor heart issue but after a successful operation, he has returned to Napoli and while Gli Azzurri are toiling in mid-table, McTominay has netted five goals and remains front and centre of their best work.

Competition in the midfield area remains fierce. Shoehorning McTominay, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie into one team has always been a challenge and will be even harder if Pocognoli decides to stick with two strikers - which he should do against opposition of North Macedonia’s calibre. A combination of Adams and McBurnie in attack seems likely, especially as Bowie has not been starting regularly for Sassuolo.

Gilmour became front and centre of Scotland’s midfield in the last international window and was Scotland’s main source of vertical creativity. McGinn and Ferguson started every game - and both are in good form with their clubs. At Bologna, Ferguson tops the charts in Serie A for distance covered (114.1m), total passes (817) and accurate passes (754). Christie and Bournemouth are flying. These are nice problems to have.

Scotland looked jaded by the second match against Slovenia and while this break is shorter, there is an argument for more rotation. And there will have to be changes in defence, given Welsh and Binks have been forced to withdraw from this squad, replaced by forgotten men Ryan Porteous and David Bates, while Scott McKenna is also absent.

Pocognoli operated with a back three but may be minded to change given the absentees and porousness against stronger opposition. While Porteous has fared well in the States with LA, Graham - often a starter for Stoke City - may be ahead of him in the international pecking order. Kieran Tierney withdrew from the last squad, but is fit this time around and can play as a left-sided centre-half.

Captain Andy Robertson will move level with Sir Kenny Dalglish on 102 caps should he be, as is expected, deployed on the left flank. There is more debate on the other side. Winger Ben-Gannon Doak could give Scotland more oomph in a game they have to win than Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson.

There’s even debate with the goalkeeper. Angus Gunn’s status as an untouchable No 1 waned a little on the back of performances last month. Could in-form Falkirk stopper Scott Bain oust him?

Pocognoli has options, that’s for sure. The Tartan Army will want to see Scotland more secure tactically. There needs to be a step forward in this brave new world. And while winning in Switzerland may prove a step too far, landing a first home win under the 39-year-old Belgian feels non-negotiable.

North Macedonia at home was the sort of match Scotland gobbled up in the past. This may be a new regime, but that particular old habit must die hard.