John McGinn spies the Scotland factor that provides hope for Sebastien Pocognoli era and Nations League aims

A stuttering first half away from home against Slovenia got the Sebastien Pocognoli era off to a sketchy start but a dominant second despite drawing 0-0 has sparked optimism. The Belgian head coach moved to a possession-orientated system that is a change from predecessor Steve Clarke’s pragmatic approach and midfielder McGinn reckons positive signs have emerged ahead of Tuesday’s home match versus Switzerland.

“Definitely, it builds belief and the supporters gave us a great reception at the end,” said McGinn. “That’s probably some of the football that they want to see, especially the subs coming on, they made a great impact.

John McGinn on Scotland 0-0 Slovenia

“We’ve got a young squad that can play with full energy – maybe not me – but some of the others can dovetail well with the experienced guys and hopefully make it successful and try and get us back to Division A.”

Scotland are in Nations League B after previously occupying a top tier spot and grappling with Europe’s elite again is on their radar. Victory over Switzerland in Pocognoli’s first game at Hampden Park would go a long way towards that objective ahead of group matches versus North Macedonia and Slovenia before the international break concludes.

“Positive second half, probably should have won the game,” added McGinn in an interview broadcast by the national team. “First half, we were trying to find our feet. Obviously, very new style and system, but I think in the main, we played pretty well. Obviously disappointed not to win, but a decent enough start. It was a really difficult pitch.

“We didn’t quite find a rhythm (first half), find our feet, but the second half, even some of the Slovenia players mentioned that we were right at it in the second half, so on another day one of those chances hits the back of the net and you get three points.

“I think we were better off the ball (second half), really, which allowed us to be better on it. We made better decisions on it, create better chances, and on another day, you win the game 2-0 or 3-0. We can’t beat ourselves up. If we play like that on Tuesday night, we’ll give Switzerland a really good game and hopefully get the three points.”