David Bates is hoping that Sebastien Pocognoli's familiarity with the Belgian Pro League could pave the way for his Scotland return. The Kirkcaldy-born defender has impressed for Mechelen and Standard Liege over the past four years, and this summer he earned a move to Turkish top-flight side Amedspor, who currently sit top of the table.
Form under former Mechelen coach
Bates is in the form of his life under his ex-Mechelen coach Besnik Hasi at Amedspor. The 29-year-old former Rangers centre-back already has four caps to his name, but his last appearance at international level was seven years ago. He hasn't given up hope of representing his country again, especially now with Belgian boss Pocognoli in charge.
New-look Scotland defence
Pocognoli is overseeing a big change in the squad, with the likes of Luis Binks, Luke Graham and Stephen Welsh getting a chance to impress at the back for Scotland. Bates believes if he continues to impress in Turkey, he'll get an opportunity to do the same for Pocognoli in a dark blue shirt.
He told Record Sport: “Obviously, I still look for the squad announcements, I watch everything. I’ve just tried to play as well as I can here at a good level - and hopefully he’s watching. I hope I’ll get a call-up again one day but you never know as there are top quality players there.
“It’s a good squad but he’s a Belgian coach so he’ll know the Belgian league really well. Hopefully he knows my face and I can get into future squads. I’ve got four caps already and it would be really good to get back in. It feels like a long time ago since I last played for Scotland.
“That feeling when you put the shirt on and walk out at Hampden is something else when you’re playing for your country. If I can get back in the squad it would be brilliant. My dad’s the same. He’s always messaging me asking if I think I’ll get back in. But I’ll keep playing, do good things here, and hopefully I’ll get rewarded.”
