Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has recalled Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Che Adams for the final two Nations League Group B1 fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Scotland host North Macedonia on 13 November before travelling to Switzerland three days later. The Scots sit third in the group and need at least four points to keep alive any hope of finishing second and reaching the promotion play-offs.
McTominay’s return is a major boost for Pocognoli. The Napoli midfielder has scored four goals in seven appearances since recovering from a minor heart procedure, underlining his importance to Scotland’s midfield and attacking threat.
Tierney and Adams also come back into the squad after spells on the sidelines. Adams has two goals in five Serie A matches for Torino this season, doubling his tally for the campaign following a brief adductor injury.
Captain Andy Robertson could make history across the double-header. If the Tottenham full-back features in both matches, he will surpass Sir Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 Scotland caps.
There is a first senior call-up for Rangers left-back James Penrice, who has impressed since joining on loan from AEK Athens. Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery also retains his place after being a late addition last time, with the 22-year-old having started all but one Championship match this season.
Pocognoli has named a 26-man squad, down from the extended pool of 28 used for the opening four fixtures. He has again selected four goalkeepers as Scotland prepare for two matches that could define their Nations League campaign.
Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean miss out through injury, while Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan and James Wilson drop out of the group.
The previous international window saw home defeats to Switzerland and Slovenia for Scotland, leaving their position in Group B1 under real threat. Pocognoli will now hope the return of several experienced players can spark an immediate improvement.
Switzerland lead the group with a perfect record, while Slovenia are three points ahead of Scotland. A single point from the two matches would be enough to remove any threat of relegation, but four points are required to retain a realistic chance of finishing second.
That makes the home fixture against North Macedonia a must-win encounter. Anything less would leave Scotland relying on results elsewhere when they travel to face group leaders Switzerland in their final match.
Scotland Men’s National Team Squad
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Jon McCracken
Defenders: Luis Binks, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, James Penrice, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Stephen Welsh
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Josh McPake, Scott McTominay, Kristi Montgomery
Strikers: Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure