Pocognoli Reassures Players Not in First Scotland Squad

Sebastien Pocognoli, the new Scotland national team manager, has encouraged players who did not make his initial squad selection to remain optimistic, stating that the door is still open for them to earn a place in future call-ups.

Pocognoli's comments come as the team prepares for their Nations League opener against Slovenia on Saturday. The squad is currently in Spain for an extended international break that will also include matches against Switzerland and North Macedonia. The objective is to secure promotion from League B.

Initially, Pocognoli named a 28-man squad, which was later adjusted due to injuries to Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. Blackburn's Kristi Montgomery was promoted from the Under-21 team to fill one of the vacancies. Players like Hearts' Calvin Miller and Rangers' James Penrice were not included in this first selection.

Pocognoli stressed that his first squad is not definitive and will evolve. "There are many players who deserve to be there," he stated, acknowledging that selections can change due to unforeseen circumstances like injuries. "It's just the first selection. It will evolve in the future because it's part of football."

He advised players not to be discouraged by their omission. "The worst thing to think is to just give up, because at the end, if you perform well, you will get the chance of the opportunity," Pocognoli said. "The ones who are doing well here have more chance to stay in the camp for November. It's never a closed door."

The manager also commented on the team's training session in La Manga, Spain. He was pleased with the players' application, noting that the intensity and heat led to an early end to one session. "Sometimes you just need to finish with a good feeling. Tomorrow, we will play more open games, just to see the mistakes and the good moments and then try to reduce this (mistakes) for the Slovenia game," he explained.