Scotland squad: Two key players set to return, one major injury worry and Ryan Gauld wildcard

Scotland sit third in Group B1 on four points and are unable to catch leaders Switzerland, who have an 100 per cent record on 12 points. The Scots will be keen to catch Slovenia in second place, who are three point ahead. However, at least four points are required to give Pocognoli and Co a chance of doing so.

North Macedonia visit Hampden on Friday, November 13 before Scotland head to St Gallen on Monday, November 16 to conclude their campaign against the Swiss. We take a look at the players would could make the squad:

Goalkeepers

Pocognoli named four goalkeepers in his squad for the first international window and given the dearth of options in this area of the team, there are unlikely to be any changes.

Angus Gunn has the gloves, but there is some debate as to whether he should remain as Scotland’s No 1 despite featuring regularly at club level for San Jose Earthquakes. Scott Bain’s excellent performance at the weekend for Falkirk against Celtic strengthened his case, while Jon McCracken has kept 12 clean sheets for Bradford City this season.

Liam Kelly was the other keeper picked last time out and given his inactivity at Rangers, he looks the most vulnerable of the quartet.

Defenders

Pocognoli handed debuts to centre-halves Stephen Welsh, Luis Binks and Luke Graham last time out. Given all three are playing regularly for the clubs, they are expected to keep their place in the squad. Jack Hendry is another who is set for a call-up, but Scott McKenna is likely to miss out after picking up a back strain while playing for Dinamo Zagreb. That could open the door to Ryan Porteous at LAFC, or Wrexham’s Dom Hyam.

At right-back, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Colby Donovan are in line for call-ups, while on the other flank, captain Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Josh Doig are in pole position to be included.

If Robertson plays the next two Scotland matches, he will move on to 103 appearances and become the country’s most capped player, surpassing Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Midfielders

The big news is that Scott McTominay is primed for a recall after missing the last camp due to minor heart surgery. The 29-year-old has started the past seven matches for Napoli, scoring four goals, and is set to work with Pocognoli for the first time.

McTominay’s club-mate Billy Gilmour was an integral part of Pocognoli’s midfield and is fit, while fellow Serie A midfielder Lewis Ferguson started every game in the last international break and has regained first-choice status at Bologna.

John McGinn missed a penalty for Aston Villa at the weekend but has performed well at club level over the past few weeks and he is likely to be joined by Ryan Christie in the squad. If there is one more midfield berth, Kenny McLean is more likely to get it than Lennon Miller - who didn’t feature at all in the last international break - and uncapped Blackburn man Kristi Montgomery.

A wildcard could be Ryan Gauld, who is fully fit at Vancouver Whitecaps and has scored three goals in his past four matches.

Wingers

Ben Gannon-Doak’s game-time for in-form Bournemouth has been limited to League Cup and European matches, but the 20-year-old has impressed when called upon by manager Marco Rose. He remains Scotland’s biggest threat out wide.

Josh McPake has had a rough schedule with Hearts but after winning his first cap last time out against Slovenia, he has done enough to keep his spot. Team-mate Calvin Miller may also have been in the running for inclusion, but he faces a spell on the sidelines due to a knee issue.

Findlay Curtis has struggled for starts at Rangers, but should Pocognoli want a third winger, he is the most likely to get the nod.

Strikers

Che Adams was absent last time out due to a muscle strain, but four goals for Torino so far in Serie A suggests he is No 9 in form and it would be a surprise should he not be included.

Much was made of Oli McBurnie’s composure in front of goal - he is zero from 20 caps in terms of goals - but he continues to lead the line well for Hull City in the Premier League and scored a free-kick at the weekend.

Robbie Ure has scored one goal and provided two assists recently for Sevilla and should stay involved, while Kieron Bowie did enough in the last international camp with his excellent goal in North Macedonia. He flits in and out of the Sassuolo starting XI right now.

Ross Stewart fired a reminder to Pocognoli by scoring for Swansea at the weekend and could be a wildcard selection, while Hearts’ James Wilson will hope to stay in the plans too, although he has dropped out of the Tynecastle starting XI.

Middlesbrough are flying at the top of the Championship and Tommy Conway, who can play through the middle or out wide, has started their past three matches.

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