Scotland debutant sees 'many' promising signs in Slovenia stalemate but returning striker fears sleepless night

The Swansea City defender, formerly of Celtic, was one of two debutants in Ljubljana as new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign began with a goalless draw littered with a mixture of concerning and encouraging signs.

The visitors were disappointing in the first half as Slovenia - sitting 14 places below the Scots in the FIFA world rankings - enjoyed sustained periods of control and looked the more threatening side.

However, the visitors produced a much-improved display after the interval and finished the match firmly on the front-foot, with Oli McBurnie failing to make the most of a one-on-one opportunity before substitute Kieron Bowie passed up three late chances, including one gilt-edged miss in the closing stages.

Centre-back Welsh, who operated on the left side of defence, admitted Scotland had struggled to impose themselves early on but was encouraged by their second half response after a tactical adjustment made by the new manager helped them gain greater control of the match.

“We struggled to get into the game first half, but second half we completely dominated the game,” he said. “We changed shape a wee bit at half-time to get more control and that did really well for us.”

New manager, new shape, same old problem?

Sevilla forward Ure was denied a debut goal after hitting the post with a fierce low drive but that was the only notable sighting of goal in a drab first-half showing. More chances were created after the break but Scotland were unable to find the decisive finish.

McBurnie had one of the clearest openings on his return to the international fold after five years in the wilderness, while Aaron Hickey headed narrowly wide and Bowie also threatened, but Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak made several important interventions to leave the Scots frustrated.

However, Welsh felt there were a number of positives to take from the performance. “They've got a top goalie who made really good saves,” he admitted. “So many positives to take and a clean sheet as well.”

For Welsh, the match also marked the beginning of a new chapter under Pocognoli as he earned his first cap. Having spent the last couple of seasons playing regularly on the left-hand side, the defender insists he is comfortable fulfilling the role for his country.

He also highlighted the atmosphere within the Scotland camp following the managerial change and believes the squad is adapting quickly to Pocognoli’s methods.

“We've had a great week,” he reflected. “A new manager, new way of playing and new faces in camp, It's just the chances we need to take - the fact we're creating the chances stands us in good stead.”

McBurnie: ‘I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight’

While Scotland were unable to mark the new era with a victory, returning striker McBurnie believes their ability to create chances gives them reason for optimism and provides a solid foundation to build on.

“It probably took us a bit of getting used to in the first half, the new formation and the way the gaffer wants to play,” he confessed. “Once we did, I thought we were really good. We created enough chances to kill the game.

“We’re really disappointed we didn’t get the three points. I think I’ve got to score, and a couple of the other lads as well. But a good start under the new manager I think.

“I was asked to play a different position and I quite enjoyed it. I enjoy the manager’s ideas. We’ve had some good chats about it already, and I think it suited me in there but I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight with those chances.

“It’s a tough one, but I'd rather be getting in the positions than not getting chances. Hopefully I can get another chance in the next game and put it to bed.”

The next challenge arrives quickly, with Scotland facing group favourites Switzerland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.