Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has backed Ben Gannon-Doak to take his international form to the next level after the winger's standout performance against AC Milan in the Europa League.
The Bournemouth winger was man-of-the-match in the Cherries' historic 3-0 victory over the San Siro giants last month. The 20-year-old, who moved from Liverpool for £25 million in 2025, has struggled for regular game time at the Vitality Stadium but is now featuring more under new boss Marco Rose in the Premier League and in Europe.
Pocognoli sees improvement
Pocognoli, who has overseen Gannon-Doak's development since his first camp as Scotland boss, said the player's intensity has changed significantly since that initial gathering in La Manga.
“Ben's intensity is now totally different from when he arrived at the first camp in La Manga,” Pocognoli said. “You saw him press against AC Milan and in other Europa League games. It's a totally different fitness now.”
The Belgian added: “I'm very happy with him. I believe that if we are playing good football it doesn't matter the shape, he's now in the best position.”
Room for improvement
Pocognoli said the young winger still has areas to develop, particularly in front of goal. “If he can improve on being more clinical in front of goal he would probably have scored two goals in the last camp,” he said.
“His assist and crossing was more with the idea before of, 'if I put a cross in Scott McTominay will make a bicycle kick'. But now you see a little bit more of him thinking what the next action is when he's dribbling.”
“When he's more efficient I think he will be at a different level. But he's only 20 so it's quite exciting,” Pocognoli added.
McTominay returns to squad
Pocognoli has welcomed Scott McTominay into his squad for the first time after the Napoli midfielder recovered from heart surgery. The 29-year-old is back scoring goals in Serie A, and the manager said he was delighted to start working with him this week.
“I've had a very good impression of Scott,” Pocognoli said. “I can imagine the fans are really excited to see him back, it has been a long time since the World Cup.”
“We will try to have a game plan so he can shine and not be too dependent on what he can produce from an individual action,” he added. “He's excited to start a new book and try to push the level higher, to be successful for the next tournament.”
