Penrice earns first Scotland call-up as McTominay returns.

The Rangers left-back has been rewarded for his impressive performances since arriving from AEK Athens on loan. He replaces the injured Josh Doig in the latest Scotland squad.

Penrice earns first Scotland recognition

Penrice has quickly established himself as an important player for Rangers and his form has now earned recognition from Scotland’s new head coach, Pocognoli.

The defender has impressed since moving to Ibrox on loan and will have the opportunity to make his international debut during the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

His inclusion comes after Doig was ruled out through injury, opening the door for Penrice to join the senior squad for the first time.

Scott McTominay has scored four goals in the last seven games for Napoli

For Rangers supporters, the call-up provides further evidence of the progress Penrice has made since arriving in Scotland. His performances have caught the attention of the national team and could potentially lead to his first cap.

McTominay returns after surgery

McTominay is also back with Scotland after missing the previous international camp while recovering from minor heart surgery.

The midfielder has returned strongly for Napoli and has started each of their last seven matches. He has also found the net four times during that run, underlining his importance to both club and country.

His return gives Pocognoli another experienced option in midfield ahead of two matches that could determine Scotland’s final position in League B1.

Che Adams has also returned to the squad after recovering from injury, adding another attacking option for the new Scotland boss.

McKenna and Donovan miss out

There are several notable absentees from the latest selection.

Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna has been ruled out through injury. He featured in three of Scotland’s opening four group matches before being sent off during the victory over North Macedonia.

Celtic defender Colby Donovan has also been left out this time as Pocognoli reduces his squad from 28 players to 26.

The decision leaves Scotland with a slightly smaller group as they prepare for two decisive fixtures in the Nations League.

Robertson closing in on record

Andy Robertson could make history during the international break.

If the Tottenham defender features in both matches, he will reach 103 Scotland appearances and become the nation’s most-capped player.

That would see him move beyond the legendary Sir Kenny Dalglish, adding another major milestone to Robertson’s international career.

The Liverpool icon’s former record has stood as one of the most recognised marks in Scottish football, but Robertson now has the opportunity to claim the record for himself.

Andy Robertson is set to become Scotland’s most-capped player

Scotland face crucial Nations League test

Scotland’s situation in League B1 remains complicated heading into the final two matches.

They need to collect at least four points from their games against North Macedonia and Switzerland if they are to have any chance of finishing second.

Even four points may not be enough on their own. Scotland also need Slovenia to drop points against North Macedonia and Switzerland if they are to have an opportunity to reach the promotion play-offs.

There is still another possible outcome that Scotland will be desperate to avoid.

Relegation to League C remains possible if they lose their opening match against North Macedonia at Hampden Park. That makes the first fixture particularly important for Pocognoli and his players.

Scotland squad confirmed

Pocognoli has selected four goalkeepers: Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Jon McCracken.

The defensive group includes Luis Binks, James Penrice, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Stephen Welsh.

The midfield options are Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Josh McPake and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who retains his place.

The forwards are Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure and Che Adams.

Two decisive fixtures ahead

Scotland will begin the international period by hosting North Macedonia at Hampden Park on November 13, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.

Three days later, on November 16, they travel to Switzerland for their final Nations League group match, also starting at 7.45pm.

For Penrice, the fixtures represent the beginning of a new chapter at international level. After making a strong impression with Rangers, he has earned the opportunity to show that his club form can translate onto the international stage.

For McTominay, Robertson and the rest of the experienced players, the priority will be helping Scotland navigate a difficult conclusion to the campaign.

With promotion hopes, relegation fears and a potential appearance record all on the line, Pocognoli’s squad faces a hugely important international break and potentially reshape Scotland’s international future over the coming months.