Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has named his 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, highlighted by the returns of Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Che Adams. The Scots are preparing to host North Macedonia before traveling to face Switzerland in their final group matches. The squad announcement also features a first senior international call-up for 27-year-old left-back James Penrice, while uncapped Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery has retained his spot after being a late addition last time.
McTominay re-enters the international setup in strong form, having netted four goals in seven appearances for Napoli after recovering from a minor heart procedure that kept him sidelined for club and country in September and October. Adams also bolsters the attack after doubling his season tally for Torino with two goals in five Serie A matches following an adductor issue. However, injuries have ruled out Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean, while Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, and James Wilson have dropped out as Pocognoli reduced his pool from the 28 players called up for the previous window, opting to keep four goalkeepers.
Penrice's selection comes after impressing at Rangers following his loan move from AEK Athens. Alongside him, 22-year-old Montgomery keeps his place after starting all but one Championship match for Blackburn this term. Meanwhile, Scotland captain Andy Robertson is on the verge of a historic personal milestone; the Tottenham full-back will surpass Sir Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 caps if he plays in both scheduled encounters on 13 and 16 November.
The matches carry major implications for Scotland, who currently sit third in Group B1 following disappointing home losses against Switzerland and Slovenia. Group leaders Switzerland hold maximum points, while Slovenia sit three points clear of Pocognoli's side. Scotland must collect at least four points from these two fixtures to have a chance of finishing second and reaching the promotion play-offs, though earning just one point will successfully eliminate any threat of relegation.