Scotland return to action for the first time since their early exit from the World Cup this summer as they begin their Nations League campaign with games against Slovenia and Switzerland next month.
After confirming the appointment of Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland’s new head coach, there’ll be huge intrigue around the squad announcement, as fans eagerly await to see which players have a part to play in the post-Steve Clarke era.
A host of young, uncapped, and emerging talents are eyeing their first Scotland call-up under the new Belgian boss, while several experienced heads will be sweating over their inclusion after an underwhelming World Cup earlier this summer. But which players will be the next to break into the Scotland senior side?
Here are the 10 players we’re tipping to catch the eye of Pocognoli and make a claim for a Scotland senior squad call-up for the September Nations League double-header:
5. Elliot Watt- Samsunspor
Watt quickly developed into one of the best midfielders in Scotland last season and was been touted for an international call-up due to his rapid growth at Motherwell. Moved to the Turkish top flight with Samsunspor in the summer, and will hope his exceptional ability to dictate the tempo of games with high-volume passing can catch the eye of Scotland's new boss. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Liam McFarlane - Partick Thistle
With Craig Gordon retiring, there's a goalkeeping spot available in the next squad. Highly rated at parent club Hearts, the imposing young stopper is spending time on loan at Partick Thistle this season after impressing with Alloa Athletic and East Fife in recent years. Comfortably Scotland's brightest goalkeeping talent, Pocognoli could give the Under-21 regular a role in his first squad. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Luke McCowan - Celtic
The Celtic midfielder has played an important role at Parkhead since joining from Dundee little over two years ago. He's in his prime at 28, too. He has previously been placed on standby for the senior squad, but remains uncapped at the international level. Could that change under the new Belgian boss?
8. Josh Mulligan - Hibs
The Hibs midfielder has taken a huge leap over the last 12 months, with his performances catching the eye of EPL teams Leeds United and Nottingham Forest before suffering a season-ending injury in January. He returned to fitness in the summer, and Mulligan has continued to impress at Easter Road. While he remains uncapped, he was called up to the senior squad last year for the World Cup qualifier with Belarus. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group