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Sebastien Pocognoli's First Scotland XI Selection Dilemma

BBC Sport Football •
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Put yourself in the shoes of the new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as he picks his first XI. With captain Andy Robertson a certainty to win his 98th cap at left wing-back, and Aaron Hickey surely in prime position to start on the other side, where does that leave Scotland's wide attacking options?

Ben Gannon-Doak was so key for Scotland under Clarke due to his speed and ability to beat players. Josh Mc Pake has shown a similar ability for Hearts on the same side. However, with Pocognoli often deploying two narrow attackers either side of a centre forward and using the wing-backs for width, could Scotland's wingers be squeezed out?

One of those forward places would surely be reserved for John Mc Ginn, given his goal threat for Scotland, running power and experience of occupying a similar role on the left. He also offers more off the ball. Ryan Christie might be another candidate for one of those roles, assuming Scotland only play two holding midfielders from their deep pool - Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour.

The Bournemouth midfielder is also relentless out of possession. Could Gannon-Doak or Mc Pake play further in the pitch closer to a striker? And do they have the defensive instincts to play more centrally when Scotland don't have the ball?