SCOTLAND RATINGS: Who seized their chance in Slovenia as Scotland’s bright new era began under Sebastien Pocognoli? And who was found wanting on the Nations League stage?
The Sebastien Pocognoli revolution is under way, with the new Scotland boss getting his reign off to a positive start with a goalless draw in Ljubljana against Slovenia.
A much-changed Scotland side featuring two debutants in Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and more shots on goal than their hosts, but there were still some nervy moments as the team tried to adapt to a new approach under their Belgian head coach.
Hull City striker Oli McBurnie was handed the opportunity he craved up front and was a handful for the Slovenian defence throughout, but spurned the one big chance which came his way early in the second half.
Still, after a World Cup campaign that ended on a sour note and a desire for a new approach, the stalemate at Stadion Stozice represents a solid first step on the road to Euro 2028 under Pocognoli, with the Nations League campaign crucial in shaping the pathway for progression ahead of the next major finals.
So, who caught the eye and offered reason to be cheerful, and who looked like they’d been catapulted into the senior set-up too soon? Here, Daily Mail Sport runs the rule over Pocognoli’s chosen XI.
Striker Oli McBurnie cut a disconsolate figure with manager Sebastien Pocognoli at full-time
Angus Gunn – 6
Now with San Jose Earthquakes, the keeper has conceded 23 goals in 11 MLS games this season and was really only picked due to the alarming lack of alternatives. Tidy enough with feet when he had to be and wasn’t really tested by a limited Slovenian front line. Nothing too silly from him, thankfully.
Jack Hendry – 5
Clumsy early challenge didn’t look too clever and he was probably lucky not to collect a first-half booking after another mistimed lunge. Saudi-based centre-half was much more comfortable in the second half and looks good fit for Pocognoli’s possession-based system.
Scott McKenna – 5
Loose pass early on underlined concerns about his use of the ball. Settled into the game and no major questions asked of him by Slovenia. Will be glad to put his World Cup nightmare against Brazil behind him.
Stephen Welsh – 6
Composed presence on the left of a back three and used the ball well throughout. Intelligent pass set up Bowie for second-half opportunity and tried his luck with a cheeky lob too. Showed more than enough to suggest he’ll be part of things for years to come.
Stephen Welsh looked composed on his cap debut and can expect to remain a part of things
Aaron Hickey – 7
Couple of first-half opportunities blocked as he made the most of advanced role. Flashed header wide from corner in second-half. Great to see him in action given his lack of minutes at club level with Brentford – a situation that needs to change.
Billy Gilmour – 7.5
Heavily involved and some nice touches were mixed with the odd stray pass. Moved up a few gears at start of second half and went close with low effort after a one-two with McBurnie. Driving run soon after set up Ure for a chance. Napoli midfielder will be crucial to this Scotland set-up going forward.
Lewis Ferguson – 6
Sat deep and was asked to keep things simple, which he did. Didn’t have the same influence as he enjoyed during an impressive World Cup but put in a real shift for the team. Hard to remember the last time he had a bad game for his country.
Billy Gilmour was the class act for Scotland and thrived in an influential second-half spell
Andy Robertson – 6
Energetic on the left but definitely lacks the touch of class and oomph of his old self. One super cross led to chance for Hickey and he worked hard to link with midfield and create openings. Aggrieved at first-half booking for off-the-ball incident but kept the head well thereafter.
John McGinn – 7
Trademark tenacity and smart use of that backside were in play as Aston Villa man beavered away in the middle. It was his pass that created first-half opening for Ure in what was the closest opportunity of the 90 minutes. Maintained his energy levels as Scotland tried to press for a goal in the second half, to no avail.
Robbie Ure – 6
Unlucky with fine first-half effort which struck the post and always looking to find space to receive through balls. Positive first outing from the 22-year-old and you get the feeling there’s plenty more to come from the Sevilla man as he adjusts to his elevated surroundings for club and country.
Robbie Ure showed no sign of nerves on his first Scotland outing and struck a post in first half
Oli McBurnie – 6
Eager from the off and great work in the box to tee up Hickey effort. His big chance arrived early in second half but he fluffed his lines when one-on-one with the keeper. A menace throughout for the Slovenians but still has work to do to convince he belongs at this level.
Sebastien Pocognoli – 5.5
High line in defence invited some worrying moments and he will want to see his back-line develop more confidence on the ball if his possession-based system is to work with the talent at his disposal. Positive start but plenty still to prove… and where better to start than against Switzerland at Hampden on Tuesday?
Substitutions: Kieron Bowie (Ure 67), Ben Gannon-Doak (Hickey 78). Not used: Bain, Binks, Christie, Doig, Graham, Kelly, McPake, Miller, Montgomery, Patterson.
Slovenia (4-4-1-1): Oblak; Brekalo (Balkovec 74), Bijol, Drkusic (Zec 64), Janza; Karnicnik, Cerin (Lovric 80), Elsnik (Zabukovnik 64), Matko; Sturm; Sporar (Vipotnik 74). Booked: Cerin, Karnicnik, Lovric. Manager: Bostjan Cesar.
