Scotland player ratings in Nations League stalemate vs Slovenia: 8/10 attacking catalyst, elegant debutant & sharp sub

Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign as Scotland head coach began with goalless draw against a resolute Slovenia in their Nations League Group B1 opener, with two debutants showing up well on their international debuts.

The Belgian took over from Steve Clarke following Scotland’s World Cup exit, promising a more aggressive and attack-minded approach. While there was little expectation of an overnight transformation, glimpses of Pocognoli’s philosophy emerged after the interval in Ljubljana.

Scotland looked a different side in the second half, dominating possession and territory in Ljubljana after a fragmented opening 45 minutes. Debutants Stephen Welsh and Robbie Ure both started, with the latter coming close to breaking the deadlock when his late effort struck the post.

Oli McBurnie, making his first international appearance in over five years, had perhaps the clearest opportunity to find the net in the second half. After dispossessing a defender on the edge of the penalty area, the Hull City striker found himself one-on-one with Slovenia’s No.1 Jan Oblak.

McBurnie attempted to round the experienced goalkeeper, but a more direct finish — either sliding the ball between Oblak’s legs or lifting it over him — may have offered a better route to goal. It was a costly miss, although McBurnie came close again with a header from close range that flew over the bar.

The chance appeared to ignite Scotland, who grew in confidence after the break. Aaron Hickey headed narrowly wide before substitute Kieron Bowie tested the Slovenian defence with a driven shot that flew agonisingly wide of the target.

It was a significant improvement from the opening period, which had offered little encouragement. The hosts’ thought they had taken an early lead through Andraz Sporar, only for his emphatic finish to be ruled out for offside.

Patience will be essential for Pocnognoli as he tries to implement a different style, The first half may have prompted slight cause for concern, but his players responded to his messaging in the second half to provide the new man in charge with something to build on.

His next opportunity to secure a first victory will come back on home soil at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, when group favourites Switzerland head to Glasgow.

We take a look at how each Scotland player fared in the Slovenian capital: