Pocognoli has 'positive nervousness' for Scotland debut

Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed Scotland head coach, said he is experiencing "positive nervousness" ahead of his first match in charge, a Nations League encounter with Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday. The Belgian took over in August after Steve Clarke’s seven‑year tenure ended following Scotland’s exit at the World Cup group stage. Pocognoli faces four Nations League fixtures within an eleven‑day span: the opening away game in Slovenia, a home clash versus Switzerland at Hampden, a match in North Macedonia, and the return encounter with Slovenia in Glasgow. "If we speech astir nerves, yes, but it's a affirmative nervousness," he told BBC Sport Scotland. "We person a occupation with responsibility. It's excitement and I'm conscionable passionate about being on the touchline." Scotland are currently preparing at a lukewarm wind camp in La Manga, Spain, with a substantially altered squad. Pocognoli has selected 19‑year‑old James Wilson, four 20‑year‑olds — Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon‑Doak, Lennon Miller and Colby Donovan — and three players aged 22 — Kristi Montgomery, Luke Graham and Robbie Ure. Blackburn’s Montgomery replaces the injured Kenny McLean, leaving eight uncapped players in the squad. "It's a batch of caller faces, truthful it's a situation to find the close balance, to support the cohesion in the team," Pocognoli said.