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Time for Pocognoli to pick - who could be named in new-look Scotland squad?

Sebastien Pocognoli will name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday, but what can we expect? Will the new head coach use this clean slate as time to call upon new names? BBC Sport Scotland takes a look at the potential candidates...

Time for Pocognoli to pick - who could be named in new-look Scotland squad?

In the upcoming Nations League B fixtures, Sebastien Pocognoli will select his first squad since becoming Scotland's national team head coach. Steve Clarke, the previous coach, emphasized consistency during his seven-year tenure, resulting in Scotland's first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years. However, this approach may have hindered opportunities for new talent, as fans have consistently called for fresh faces, which were not readily granted.

Now, the time appears ripe for such hopes to be fulfilled. The Tartan Army eagerly anticipates a roster filled with new faces, hoping Pocognoli will make sweeping changes from Clarke's experienced squad. However, continuity may also be crucial for matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.

The goalkeeping position seems particularly fluid, with Scott Bain, Liam McFarlane, Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon, and Liam Kelly all vying for a place. Bain, who has started four times for Scotland, has found limited regular football in the United States. McFarlane, on the other hand, has made only one appearance since joining Partick Thistle on loan from Hearts.

Gunn, who started at the World Cup, has conceded 21 goals in nine MLS games but still showed promise with four crucial stops. Gordon, who retired from football after the World Cup, and Kelly, who hasn't featured since Derek McInnes took over at Rangers, could provide opportunities for the two goalkeeping slots in this new team.

Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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