Pocognoli names first Scotland squad: the fresh faces who could break through

Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of Scotland in earnest this Tuesday, when he names his first squad for the Nations League B matches. The Belgian coach inherits a team fresh from its first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years, but also a fanbase that has long demanded change. Whether continuity or renewal wins the day will be revealed when the list is made official.

Goalkeeping situation gives Pocognoli an early headache

The goalkeeping department remains a problem area as the new era begins. Angus Gunn started at the World Cup and has found regular football with San Jose Earthquakes, but his record of 21 goals conceded in nine Major League Soccer games is far from reassuring. Craig Gordon has retired from football, and Liam Kelly has not featured since Derek McInnes took over at Rangers, leaving two spots potentially up for grabs.

Scott Bain has reason to feel overlooked. He was playing regularly in the Scottish Premiership and earned his fourth cap against Ivory Coast in April, yet missed the trip to the United States. His strong start to the current season has prompted his club manager to push his case for a starting role. Behind him, Liam McFarlane looks well placed for a call-up as third-choice. The 21-year-old, on loan at Partick Thistle from Hearts, has conceded just once in five Championship matches after serving as a training goalkeeper at the World Cup.

A changing of the guard in Scotland's defence

The back line is also heading for a reshuffle. Grant Hanley limped off in Hibernian's defeat by St Johnstone, and John Souttar has not made a Rangers matchday squad this season. Those concerns clear the way for Luke Graham, a left-footed centre-back at Stoke City who took part in the pre-World Cup training camp and is expected to be included. Luis Binks, the 25-year-old captain of Danish side Brondby, has never spoken to the previous regime about a call-up, but his public desire to play for Scotland and his form in Denmark have made him a popular choice among supporters.

Stephen Welsh is another candidate after settling into the Championship with Swansea City, while Colby Donovan has burst into Celtic's starting eleven at just 20 years old. The right-back faces stiff competition from Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Max Johnston, but his emergence has been impossible to ignore.

Gilmour's return and the young midfielders pushing for minutes

Billy Gilmour will almost certainly be part of the new project. The Napoli midfielder has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup and has already featured in Serie A and the Champions League. His presence was badly missed in the summer, and he is expected to anchor the side for years to come.

Lennon Miller could benefit from Scott McTominay's recovery from heart surgery. The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes since joining Udinese, but he may get the chance to add to his four caps. Hibernian's Josh Mulligan is also in the conversation. Still uncapped at senior level, he impressed Pocognoli at the Edinburgh derby and has been one of the few bright sparks in a difficult start for David Gray's side.

Ure, McBurnie and the striking dilemma facing Scotland

Up front, Che Adams looks a certainty after scoring twice in three Serie A appearances for Torino. Lawrence Shankland is out injured, and at 30 years old Lyndon Dykes may be nearing the end of his international cycle. That leaves room for Oli McBurnie, whose relationship with the previous management broke down after a private conversation was leaked. However, his form for a Hull City side sitting third in the Championship, including a standout display against Manchester United and an assist at Stamford Bridge, makes a recall increasingly likely.

Robbie Ure is the headline newcomer. The 22-year-old striker left Rangers and exploded in Sweden with 20 goals and three assists in 20 games, earning a £5.5m move to Sevilla. He has yet to score in Spain, but his eligibility for Ukraine gives Pocognoli a strong incentive to secure his future. Kieron Bowie, who joined Sassuolo after Hellas Verona's relegation, also boosted his case with a goal against Juventus.

Hearts trio ride the Vrancken wave into contention

Hearts have become an unexpected talent factory under Wouter Vrancken, Pocognoli's compatriot. James Wilson has returned from a loan spell at Tottenham youth level with renewed confidence and scored in the derby with the new Scotland boss watching. Wide men Calvin Miller and Josh McPake have carried their Championship form into the top flight, offering the kind of direct, free-flowing attacking play that suits the new national team philosophy.

Tuesday's squad announcement will reveal just how brave Pocognoli is willing to be. The Tartan Army has spent years calling for fresh faces. Now the new head coach has a clean slate, and the names on his first list will set the tone for the entire campaign.