Headline: Scotland Welcomes Key Players Back for Crucial Nations League Matches
Scotland has announced the return of Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Che Adams to its squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, including a home game against North Macedonia and an away match in Switzerland.
This selection marks the first call-up for James Penrice, while Kristi Montgomery, who joined as a late addition previously, retains his position in the lineup.
Injuries have ruled out Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean, leading to the exclusion of Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, and James Wilson from the squad.
Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli initially selected an extended roster of 28 for the first four matches, which included disappointing home losses to both Switzerland and Slovenia. For the upcoming fixtures, Pocognoli has decided on a squad of 26, keeping four goalkeepers in the mix.
Currently, Scotland sits third in Group B1 and needs a minimum of four points to have a chance of finishing second and qualifying for the promotion play-offs. One point in the next games would prevent any risk of relegation from the group. Switzerland remains at the top of the group with a perfect record, while Slovenia holds a three-point lead over Scotland.
James Penrice, the 27-year-old left-back, has made a strong impression at Rangers since his arrival on loan from AEK Athens. Meanwhile, 22-year-old midfielder Kristi Montgomery has been a consistent starter for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship this season.
Notably, McTominay, who plays for Napoli, has scored four goals in seven appearances following recovery from a minor heart procedure. Adams, representing Torino, has also shown solid form, netting two goals in five Serie A matches after a brief injury setback.
Captain Andy Robertson is poised to surpass Sir Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 caps if he features in both upcoming matches.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City)
Defenders: Luis Binks (Brondby), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Nathan Patterson (Torino), James Penrice (Rangers), Andy Robertson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieran Tierney (Celtic), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Heart of Midlothian), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Kristi Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla)
