With Scotland’s Nations League matches fast approaching, new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has all Scottish eyes on him as he prepares to announce his 26-man squad tomorrow. But who will receive the all-important call-up?
The main question on everyone’s lips is: does the Belgian coach stick with similar players to those who featured at the World Cup, the Scotland ‘faithful servants’, if you will, or does he rock the boat and incorporate fresh talent? I, for one, am all for a shake-up, so here are four players I believe deserve the nod.
Starting off with a defensive stalwart, Stephen Welsh. Last season, he was rock solid in defence when on loan at Motherwell. He was always winning duels, making vital tackles and also cropped up with a goal or two.
Since his free transfer to Swansea City in the summer, he has not left his form behind and has started every Championship game for the club, conceding only five goals so far and maintaining four clean sheets. A record the Scottish national team should be aiming for.
Welsh has a plethora of attributes which would easily gel within the Scotland squad. He’s a physical and commanding presence in defence, has the versatility to play as part of a back three or four, and is comfortable in possession, so affords the option of playing out from the back rather than resorting to typical Scottish ‘humph ball’.
With every strong defender, a creative midfielder is required, and Scotland certainly have that in the form of Udinese talent Lennon Miller. The 20-year-old may not be a Scotland starter; however, he definitely offers fierce competition for a spot in midfield.
Despite only playing in Serie A for one season, he has looked right at home, having featured in 31 matches so far, with one goal and two assists to his name. Miller may not always appear to be a goal threat; however, his other qualities make him desirable. He’s an extremely forward-thinking player, always searching for the next attacking pass — a playmaker, if you please. On the subject of passing, his range is superb. The accuracy and ease with which he executes his passes is a dream to watch — an ability Scotland sometimes lack.
If Miller is to succeed in the Scotland squad, then he needs strikers to supply, and why just offer one name when you can have two? Both Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure would be my top picks for a striking partnership or as individuals with wingers either side.
Oli McBurnie is no stranger to the national jersey; however, in recent years, he’s fallen out of favour with those in charge of selection. Yet, with a new manager in the dugout, could this be the Hull City forward’s chance?
McBurnie is slightly older than Scotland fans would like, standing at the age of 30, but don’t let that fool you. The 6’2” giant still has an abundance of ability in the locker. Take last season, for example. He netted 19 goals in the Championship before securing promotion to the Premier League with Hull City.
He not only provides an aptitude for scoring, but his physical presence up top is a nightmare for defenders, with winning aerial duels in the final third coming as his bread and butter.
He’s not the only striker who has caught the eye in recent seasons. Youngster Robbie Ure has been setting the Swedish league alight. The 22-year-old scored 20 goals in as many games last season before securing a move to La Liga side Sevilla in the summer.
Since his move to Spain, he has played in their five opening matches, bagging himself one assist so far, and is definitely one to watch for the future.
Much like McBurnie, Ure is a physically strong young player. He can hold the ball up tremendously, is technically gifted and possesses great all-round play. Every attribute Scotland is crying out for in a striker.
With both McBurnie and Ure, could Scotland have a lethal striking partnership on their hands? Well, until the squad is announced tomorrow, we have to wait and see.
There are four other players who notably could be in with a great chance of making the squad. Both Josh McPake and Calvin Miller of Hearts have been stealing the show in recent weeks for the Edinburgh side with their scintillating performances. Midfielder Elliott Watt has started strongly in the Turkish Super League, while Colby Donovan of Celtic has cemented his place as the chosen right-back.
Every position for Scotland is well covered. Success and backing all lies with selecting the right players for the formation and players who understand the weight of the Scotland jersey. Pocognoli brings with him an air of enthralling football, so all he needs is the players to execute the plan. As of tomorrow, we will have our Nations League team.
