Scotland lay out Scott McTominay plans as Sebastien Pocognoli awaits first sight of talisman

Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli intends to try to make “a good connection” with Scott McTominay after naming the Napoli midfielder in his squad for the first time.

Pocognoli is relieved the midfielder, who underwent a small heart procedure earlier this season, has returned to the fold.

The Belgian is looking forward to meeting McTominay in the flesh. It’s already tempting to suggest that Pocognoli is pinning his hopes on the player following an underwhelming start to his time as manager.

Scott McTominay’s importance to Scotland cannot be underplayed. | Getty Images

The Belgian succeeded Steve Clarke in August. Scotland have since won just one of their first four Nations League games and are now sitting third in Group B1, behind Switzerland and Slovenia.

They require a minimum of four points against North Macedonia at Hampden next Friday and then away to Switzerland three days later to have any chance of finishing second and featuring in the play-offs.

The latter game is two days before the first anniversary of Scotland’s titanic 4-2 win over Denmark that secured a place at this summer’s World Cup. McTominay got that famous night underway with an overhead kick after just three minutes.

He has already scored twice for Napoli since returning to the side last month. Pocognoli has only spoken to McTominay online so far and is looking forward to sitting down with him in person as he looks to establish a connection with Scotland’s most valuable player.

He stressed that it is up to him as manager to find a way to ensure the other players give McTominay the chance to excel rather than simply waiting for the Italy-based star to spark the team. It will be interesting to see who he replaces. John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour were the middle three in the last outing against Slovenia, which Scotland lost 2-1. Ryan Christie played just behind Oli McBurnie in attack.

“He (McTominay) will bring experience, quality, an expectation of goals, a presence in the box - and he’ll bring leadership as part of the captain’s group,” said Pocognoli.

“He has a strong voice. He’s a different character to the others, everyone is different. But it’s up to me to make sure the game plan for him and the players allows him to shine. And it’s not just on him to make the team shine, if you know what I mean? That’s the challenge.”

“I just want to know him a little bit more, from the personal aspect,” he added. “We all know his quality. I think he can fit into the way we want to play.

“So I’m just excited to see him on the pitch, to see if he can bring something extra in the way we want to play.

“Also, to see how he fits into the group with my own eyes. I want to make a real contact with him because before it has only been on the phone or by video call. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

Pocognoli, who has also brought striker Che Adams back into the squad after injury, stressed that McTominay remains committed to the Scotland cause. The 29-year-old was heavily criticised in the summer following a perceived poor showing in the World Cup, although this was before the problem with his heart came to light.

“He was really disappointed to miss the first camp and was already talking about the next camp,” said Pocognoli, recalling his first conversations with the player.

“At that point we weren’t sure because we had to see his rehabilitation. But he was excited to try his best to reach the November camp and he’s still excited now, which is good.”