Scotland’s return to action for the first time since their World Cup exit this summer as they begin a new era under Belgian head coach Sebastien Pocognoli against Slovenia this weekend.
The 39-year-old has certainly shook things up in the Scotland squad, naming several young, uncapped talents such as Robbie Ure, Luke Graham and Colby Donovan, with Nations League clashes against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia on the horizon.
One of the youngest Scotland squad for some time, stalwarts such as Grant Hanley, Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams were all left out, while Kenny McLean and Kieran Tierney were forced to pull out through injury. But with Pocognoli keeping close tabs on Scotland’s younger generation, who will be the next talent to break into the Scotland senior side?
Here are the 10 players we’re tipping to follow in the footsteps of Sevilla hitman Ure, and make it into the Scotland senior squad in the months - and years - to come:
1. Emilio Lawrence - Luton Town (loan)
A regular in Scotland's Under-21 setup, the Manchester City player has come on leaps and bounds over the last nine months, having played regularly for Luton Town in EFL League One. He bagged a goal in the club's EFL Trophy win over Stockport County in March and has shown versatility, playing in midfield and left wing-back in recent months. Now 21, he's aiming for promotion with Hatters this season, and could catch Pocognoli’s eye if his steady progress continues.
2. Liam McFarlane - Partick Thistle (loan)
The 21-year-old goalkeeper is currently on loan at Partick Thistle, but remains highly-rated at parent club Hearts. Invited to be a training goalkeeper at the World Cup in the summer, he's already on the radar of those within the national set-up. McFarlane stands out as Scotland's best young goalkeeper. A big presence in goal, he’s shown a maturity between the sticks. While it's too early to label him as Scotland's next number one, it's not a stretch to say he could make the squad in the future if he performs well in the months to come. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Kyle Glasgow - Rangers
Currently on loan to Alloa Athletic, the midfielder has four goal contributions in his first eight games and has received rave reviews for his performances. At 16, a senior call-up is likely still years away, but he's undoubtedly one of the brightest young prospects in Scottish football and a top-tier academy talent for Rangers. | SNS Group
4. Alfie Osborne - Chelsea
Made headlines when he signed for English Premier League giants Chelsea from Hearts in the summer, and is one of the country's most highly rated teenage talents. The 18-year-old has already impressed with some solid performances for the Blues' academy side and has shown leadership at an early age, captaining the Scotland Under-19 side. He's already been handed comparisons to former Manchester City centre-back John Stones. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group