Sebastien Pocognoli's half-time verdict that changed Slovenia vs Scotland as 'suffer together' mantra deployed

After a tough first 45, the Belgian head coach watched his team dominate away from home, unfortunate to only emerge with a 0-0 Nations League B draw. It was his first game in charge and he handed striker Ure his debut that completes a dream few months, following the former Rangers talent’s move from Swedish side Sirius to La Liga heavyweights Sevilla.

Suffering together proved key according to the forward, who reckons a win would have been justified ahead of his family coming to Hampden Park on Tuesday, for the clash with Switzerland.

Robbie Ure on Scotland debut

“I loved every minute,” said Ure. “It was a great experience for me. I think I've learned a lot from it. Obviously, it was a really high-level game. I think we were unlucky in the end not to get the three points. In the first half we suffered together. I think we grew into the game. In the second half, I think we controlled it really well and had a lot of chances, and probably should have had the three points.

“I was just excited. I know I'm playing with great players all around the pitch so I took confidence in that. I took confidence in the gaffer’s decision to start me as well. I was just really excited to go and play. Everyone was watching. I'm sure they're all really proud. They'll all be there on Tuesday, so I'm excited to see them. I can't wait. Obviously we have to go home, recover and prepare properly. I can't wait to go out on Tuesday and hopefully play at Hampden.”

Ure revealed that Pocognoli alerted players to tweaks in formation after a difficult opening 45 minutes to his head coach tenure. Strikers Kieron Bowie and Oli McBurnie missed chances to win the game but their teammate insists getting opportunities is a good starting point.

“I think we just have to stay alert,” explained Ure. “I think we knew the longer the game went on, we'd have more chances, and we ended up having a couple. We stay strong. We try and help each other when we can. When the ball comes up, we try to look for second balls, and stuff like that. We just need to suffer together. Then, when the good moments come, we try and take them. I think we changed a little bit of our formation. We just knew that the longer the game went on, we'd have chances.

How will Scotland fare under Sebastien Pocognoli?

“So, stick together. As I've said, suffer together. When the chances do come, take confidence in that. I think in the second half we had a good game. I think as the games go on, hopefully we can do it for 90 minutes, we just need to get back on the training pitch and continue to work hard and focus in the meetings and stay together. I'm sure we'll get the end result.”

Pocognoli’s relationship with Ure is already blossoming. The 22-year-old is grateful for the starting chance and is keen for more in the games ahead versus Switzerland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.

“I take a lot of confidence and belief from his decision to start me,” Ure added in an interview broadcast by the Scotland national team. “I feel like we have a good relationship. I'm grateful to him for the trust he showed, for giving me that start. I need to keep proving every day in training. Let's see what happens.”