James Penrice has been handed his first Scotland call-up with Scott Mc Tominay returning for their crucial Nations League double-header against North Macedonia and Switzerland. Rangers defender Penrice has impressed since joining on loan from AEK Athens and is called up in place of the injured Josh Doig. Mc Tominay is recalled after missing the last camp due to minor heart surgery. Since returning the 29-year-old has started the past seven matches for Napoli, scoring four goals.
Torino striker Che Adams also returns after missing Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad with a thigh strain. Blackburn's Kristi Montgomery keeps his place after being drafted in to replace Kenny Mc Lean in the last squad. The Norwich midfielder remains out, although Celtic's Kieran Tierney returns. If Andy Robertson plays the next two Scotland matches, he will move on to 103 appearances and become the country's most capped player, surpassing Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Scotland must take at least four points from their final two games in League B1 to have a chance of even finishing second. They also need Slovenia to drop points against North Macedonia and Switzerland to have a chance of reaching the promotion play-offs. Relegation to League C is also still a possibility if they lose their first game at Hampden Park. Pocognoli stated Penrice is a "logical choice" given the style of play and the need to embrace young lads in a young squad.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing