The Sebastien Pocognoli era begins for Scotland as the Belgian takes charge of his first competitive fixture in the Nations League opener against Slovenia in Ljubljana.
Pocognoli steps into the dugout for the first time since replacing Steve Clarke, who led the nation to three tournaments before a disappointing World Cup campaign last summer. The Tartan Army will be looking forward to the first competitive match without Clarke in seven years, with a revamped squad offering plenty for supporters to be excited about.
Nations League route to Euros
While the Nations League may not capture the imagination of every fan, Scotland could use the tournament to help secure an easier route to the European Championships on home turf when the qualifying draw takes place.
Slovenia are the first of four back-to-back games in the extended club football hiatus, giving the new manager plenty of time to make an impression.
Montgomery's rugby background
New Scotland call-up Kristi Montgomery admitted he could have followed in the footsteps of his father and been a rugby league player, but he is delighted he opted for football instead.
The Blackburn Rovers midfielder won a surprise call-up from Pocognoli for Scotland's Nations League games when he was promoted from Tony Docherty's Under 21s squad. He has already played ten games for the Lancashire side this season and has won five caps for the Under 21s.
Montgomery revealed last year he could have played rugby league instead, saying: "My dad was a rugby league player and he tried to get me into it when I was younger. But I always preferred football. He played for Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls. He was a good player - a prop. I was pretty good at rugby when I was younger too and I was actually better at that than I was at football at the time, to be honest. But I didn't have much of a growth spurt when I was younger and you really need that if you are going to play rugby. So I ended up choosing football."
Pocognoli's unbeaten debut record
Pocognoli is unbeaten on his two previous managerial debuts, having tasted a win and a draw in his two previous bows as manager. The 39-year-old was a shock choice to take charge of Union Saint-Gilloise in July 2024 and was immediately thrust into the limelight with a debut match against Club Brugge in the Belgian Super Cup Final.
Revamped Scotland squad
The squad has been majorly revamped since a lacklustre World Cup. Goalkeepers include Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Jon McCracken. Defenders are Luis Binks, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson and Stephen Welsh. Midfielders include Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Josh McPake, Lennon Miller and Kristi Montgomery. Forwards are Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure and James Wilson.
All team news, action and reaction from the match will be followed live as it happens.
