Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has called on Premiership clubs to give more homegrown players first-team opportunities, saying not enough are playing at the top level. His upcoming Nations League squad includes only six players currently based in the Premiership: Scott Bain, Liam Kelly, Kieran Tierney, James Penrice, Josh McPake and Findlay Curtis.
Global search for talent
Since taking the role, Pocognoli has looked abroad for players, calling up Luis Binks from Brondby and bringing David Bates back into the plans while he plays for Amedspor. The coach wants more talent closer to home, and the Scottish Football Association is also working on a plan to get more young players into top-flight squads.
Craig Mulholland has been asked to revise a youth development plan after failing to win enough support from clubs at a summit in St Andrews. The governing body's chief football officer presented the proposal but no agreement was reached.
Starting Scots in the Premiership
Record Sport has tracked how many Scotland-eligible players have started Premiership matches this season. The numbers vary by club and by round, with Falkirk consistently fielding the most Scottish starters.
Across the season so far, the total number of starting Scots per club stands at: Falkirk 74, St Johnstone 63, Hearts 52, Aberdeen 44, Dundee 37, St Mirren 35, Celtic 34, Hibs 29, Kilmarnock 28, Rangers 27, Dundee United 16 and Motherwell 10.
The figures fluctuate each round, with totals ranging from 16 in a reduced fixture round to 39 at the peak. A full Premiership card has not always been completed, as the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals reduced the number of league games in one round.
