Rangers defender James Penrice earns first Scotland call-up as McTominay returns
Sébastien Pocognoli has named a 26-man squad for the Nations League double-header against North Macedonia at Hampden and Switzerland in St Gallen.
James Penrice, pictured earlier in his career, has been handed his first senior Scotland call-up. · Photograph: Andrew Hendo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Rangers defender James Penrice has been handed his first senior Scotland call-up, while Scott McTominay, Ché Adams and Kieran Tierney all return to the squad for this month's Nations League fixtures.
Head coach Sébastien Pocognoli named a 26-man group for the matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, with Scotland needing two victories to keep alive any hope of a play-off for promotion into League B.
A first call-up for Penrice
Penrice, a left-back currently on loan at Ibrox from AEK Athens, has been rewarded for his form this season with a place in the national squad for the first time.
He will compete for a place on the left side of defence with Tierney, who returns to the fold, and captain Andy Robertson.
McTominay back after heart procedure
The return of McTominay will be the biggest boost for Pocognoli. The Napoli midfielder rejoins the squad after undergoing a heart procedure, and his goals from midfield have been central to Scotland's attacking play in recent years.
Adams also returns to strengthen the attack after missing the previous camp through injury.
AFC Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie is also back in the squad, having scored his 11th goal for his country against Slovenia in October. He could win his 75th cap during this camp.
Who misses out
Kenny McLean, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, Scott McKenna, James Wilson and Lennon Miller – who all featured in Pocognoli's first squad as manager – miss out this time around.
Robertson closing in on Dalglish record
There is also a landmark in sight for the captain. During the last international break, Robertson became only the second male player to reach 100 Scotland caps. If he features in both November matches, he could surpass Sir Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 appearances.
The fixtures
Scotland host North Macedonia at Hampden on Friday, November 13, having won the reverse fixture 2-0 during the last international break.
They then travel to face Switzerland in St Gallen on Monday, November 16.
With two wins needed to keep the play-off route open, the double-header represents an important early test of Pocognoli's tenure – and an early chance for Penrice to make his mark on the international stage.