Scotland: The key talking points from Pocognoli's bold squad

Six new call-ups, seven uncapped players, a refreshed defence, a more-of-the-same midfield and an exciting, new-look attack.

The Sebastien Pocognoli Scotland era is already creating serious intrigue - and the Belgian's squad are yet to assemble for a training-ground rondo, never mind play a game.

The 39-year-old's first taste of competitive action starts with a Nations League opener in Slovenia on 26 September - live on the BBC - beginning an extended four-game international period.

In the meantime, let's dissect the talking points from a bold 28-man selection .

McBurnie & seven uncapped players in Scotland squad

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There have been no new call-ups in the goalkeeping department. Angus Gunn, now playing with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS, has 25 caps and will be the favourite to continue between the sticks.

Pocognoli's first selection has shown that a surprise is not beyond him, though. The Belgian stressed the importance of his style in relation to his squad picks, and Falkirk's Scott Bain is a goalkeeper who can deal with the ball at his feet.

Jon McCracken is also playing regularly for Bradford City in England's League One, but Liam Kelly very much remains second choice at Rangers.

As for the backline, the new Scotland boss has predominantly played with a back three throughout his coaching career at both Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco.

He insists on his teams being aggressive in and out of possession, so will want defenders capable of picking brave passes but also with the pace to cover big distances when playing a high line.

Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney all have experience of playing in a back three under Steve Clarke, albeit the approach will differ under Pocognoli. Captain Andy Robertson also clocked up a lot of minutes at left wing-back.

Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and young Colby Donovan, who has impressed Pocognoli "but needs to improve on things like every young lad", are options for the opposite flank.

Uncapped trio Luis Binks, Stephen Welsh and Luke Graham add more depth at centre-back.

Brondby captain Binks, who qualifies for Scotland through a grandparent, has had an interesting career. "The feeling and the timing about him was right," Pocognoli said of the former Bologna and Como man.

At the age of 25, the left-footed centre-back has already played in the MLS, Serie A, English Championship and now Denmark's top tier.

Meanwhile, Stoke's Graham - also left-footed - enjoyed a breakthrough spell at Dundee last season and continues to excel in England's second division, along with Swansea's Welsh, who proved he could thrive in a possession-based Motherwell side last term.

It is much of the same in midfield, although Scott McTominay is absent following a successful heart procedure and Udinese's Lennon Miller is back after being left out of Clarke's World Cup squad.

There is a welcome return for McTominay's Napoli team-mate Billy Gilmour, who suffered a crushing injury just before the start of the finals.

Arguably Scotland's most composed midfielder and best progressive passer, many expect the 25-year-old to thrive in Pocognoli's system. Miller, 20, could also fall into that category.

Experienced campaigners John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Lewis Ferguson - the Scots' standout performer earlier this summer - are all included in a seven-man midfield selection, which also features thriving Hearts player Josh McPake.

Signed this summer from St Johnstone, it has been a remarkable rise for the 24-year-old, who has been listed as a midfielder in the squad despite featuring on the left wing for the Tynecastle side. He was a Stirling Albion player just two years ago.

How excited should fans be by new-look attack?

While Ben Gannon-Doak, Findlay Curtis and McPake offer options in attacking wide areas, there is a centre-forward spot up for grabs in the absence of injured pair Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland, plus the omission of Lyndon Dykes.

A free-scoring spell in Sweden earned Robbie Ure the number nine shirt at Sevilla, Oli McBurnie and his Hull team have made an impressive return to the Premier League and Sassuolo's Kieron Bowie scored in a win against Juventus on Sunday.

"Players who are performing well are in the new pathway," Pocognoli said when asked about Rangers academy product Ure, who is yet to score since his switch to La Liga.

"Robbie is adapting well to La Liga. He's put in some good performances, but he maybe needs to adapt to the intensity. Being selected gives him an opportunity."

On the return of McBurnie, who has received his first Scotland call-up in five years, he added: "It's regarding style of play, playing time and performance. I have to start on a new journey, a new book and it's a new opportunity for some players."

The head coach also spoke of his desire to mix youth with the "DNA and heritage" of his squad, evidenced by the inclusion of teenage James Wilson, who is showing signs of fulfilling his serious potential at Hearts.

By the end of the first week in October the Tartan Army, many of whom have been calling for what Pocognoli is preaching to deliver, will have a clearer idea of what that formula is going to look like on the grass, with a fascinating four-match window approaching.

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