Pocognoli considers McTominay’s role after Scotland draw in Slovenia
Scotland’s new manager says the absent midfielder can play in several positions, but wants to establish the team’s shape after a goalless Nations League opener.
Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli says Scott McTominay can play in several positions as he considers how the midfielder might fit into a side that opened its Nations League campaign with a 0–0 draw in Slovenia. McTominay missed Saturday’s match while recovering from a heart procedure, and his eventual place in Pocognoli’s team remains undecided.
The Guardian reported on Sunday that the Napoli midfielder is expected to return to the Scotland setup in November. That is an expectation, rather than a confirmed return date. Speaking about his options, Pocognoli said McTominay “can play in many positions”. He called him a top player who can read the game, adding: “We will see.”
A first match with a better second half
The draw in Ljubljana on 26 September was Pocognoli’s first match as Scotland manager and the team’s opening fixture in Nations League Group B1. Scotland took a point and kept a clean sheet, but could not turn a stronger second half into a goal. The result leaves the new manager with evidence of what worked after the interval, as well as decisions about how to sustain it.
Slovenia put Scotland under pressure early. Andraž Šporar had a goal disallowed for offside, and Vanja Drkušić later headed against the outside of the post. Scotland’s Robbie Ure struck the woodwork just before half-time. After the break, Oli McBurnie was stopped by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who also denied Billy Gilmour. Kieron Bowie missed a late chance to win the match for Scotland.
Pocognoli told Sky Sports that Slovenia’s shape had made it difficult for Scotland to press in the first half, leaving his players deep. He said the team adjusted at half-time and improved with two deeper midfielders and two attacking midfielders. Scotland then pressed higher and created chances that, in his view, they perhaps should have scored. He also welcomed the clean sheet.
The Scottish FA’s match account likewise described a succession of Scotland chances after the interval. McBurnie, Gilmour, Aaron Hickey and substitute Bowie all had opportunities, but Oblak and missed finishes kept the score level. Pocognoli told Sky he hoped the side could reproduce its second-half display in its next game.
Where McTominay might fit
Against Slovenia, Pocognoli used Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson in central midfield, with John McGinn ahead of them in support of two forwards, according to the Guardian. McTominay’s absence means that arrangement has yet to show how the Napoli player would be included. The manager has spoken about McTominay’s versatility, but has not named a position for him.
“For now we just need to put the structure in place,” Pocognoli told the Guardian. He said he hoped McTominay, watching the second half, could see himself in the shape Scotland used. Those remarks describe the manager’s aim as he develops the side; they do not amount to a selection decision or a timetable for McTominay’s return.
The Scottish FA listed McTominay among the injured players absent for the Slovenia match. The Guardian reported that he is recovering from a heart procedure. Neither account establishes when he will be available again. The question of his role therefore remains open while Pocognoli works with the players currently in camp.
Changes and the next test
The new manager’s first selection already reflected changes in the squad. According to the Scottish FA, Scotland made five changes from the side that started its previous match against Brazil at the World Cup in June. Stephen Welsh and Ure made their Scotland debuts, while McBurnie returned for his first appearance in five years. Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland were also absent through injury; Kenny McLean and Kieran Tierney had withdrawn after initially being selected.
Pocognoli told the Guardian he hoped Scotland could carry its second-half performance into the next home game, while acknowledging that the team could not play a full match as it had in Slovenia. The immediate task is to find a more consistent display and take the chances that went unfinished in Ljubljana. For an account of his first result, see the report on Scotland’s draw in Slovenia.
Scotland are scheduled to host Switzerland on Tuesday, 29 September. The Guardian reported that Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3–0 on Saturday. Scotland’s published group schedule then takes the team to North Macedonia on 3 October and back home to face Slovenia on 6 October. Its final two group fixtures are listed for November, when the reported expectation of McTominay’s return may become relevant; his availability for either match is unconfirmed.
Sources and context
- McTominay’s role a poser for Pocognoli as Scotland offer positives in SloveniaThe Guardian
- Slovenia 0-0 Scotland: Scots held to goalless draw in Sebastien Pocognoli's first game as managerSky Sports
- Scotland unable to find breakthrough despite attacking display in Slovenia drawScottish Football Association
- Scotland learn opponents for 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League campaignScottish Football Association
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