Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass has assessed the national team under new boss Sebastian Pocognoli .
Snodgrass has called for patience as Pocognoli implements his ideas, while urging Scotland to unleash a new generation of out-and-out wingers on top of the solid base Steve Clarke built.
The former winger has also backed Oli McBurnie to lead the line and hailed the return of talisman Scott McTominay after his recent health issue.
The New Manager
Has Sebastian Pocognoli Been Making the Right Changes?
Of course, it was a big decision for him coming in. He hasn't started so well that people are completely sold on the formation and style, giving immediate hope or suitability for the squad. That's the general feeling coming back from the first camp, but he needs time to implement his ideas. A lot of international managers say they don't get enough time on the grass.
During the gaps between camps, your analysts need to reach out to players and share work. Take the time to meet up with key players, your right-backs, wingers and strikers, and go through the footage, so that when the squad meets up, you're not starting from scratch. They might already be doing that behind the scenes. When you step into the job, the workload increases as you try to get players comfortable with new concepts.
When people feel an uncomfortable change, you have to put the work in so the lads feel it's simple, know their roles, and believe in what we're trying to achieve. Once that happens, it creates belief within the squad that we're heading in the right direction. Momentum and positivity are key for Scotland when they're in a good flow. You know Scotland will always be in games; they aren't expansive to the point of leaving themselves wide open, but are built off a solid base.
That's a good starting point, but as confidence grows, I'd like to see us play with out-and-out wingers. They have Ben Doak , Calvin Miller and Josh McPake , lads who can go one versus one and cause problems. I'd love to see that. It creates a spark and an atmosphere that Scotland fans are desperate for. We're used to good wingers in Scottish football. Being a winger myself, I might sound biased, but who doesn't want to see exciting, attacking football for Scotland ? Steve Clarke built a strong defensive base, and the next challenge for the manager is to build on that by adding a real attacking style with players who can cause teams serious problems.
The Front Line
Has Oli McBurnie Earned a Run as Scotland's Starting Striker?
Oli McBurnie has proved he can score goals everywhere he's been. He's a great lad to have around the place, has matured a lot, and has experience leading the line in the Premier League . Even in that game down to ten men, his performance was excellent.
He showed everyone what he brings. In Scotland , we love a big number nine who can hold the ball up, attack crosses and link play. He has a lot in his armoury, so we need to stick with him. I feel for Bowie and the other young forwards, but having them come off the bench is a great option.
Right now, leading the line in the Premier League gives Oli the edge, but Bowie and the others aren't far behind. They're three great attacking options for Scotland . They tried two up top, but it takes a few camps to realise what your best setup is.
How Big Will It Be to Have Scott McTominay Back?
Scott McTominay is the driving force for Scotland . He brings real energy to the middle of the park, drives forward from midfield, gets into the box and scores goals. He's a great asset, and having him back fit after scoring three or four goals recently is massive.
He's been on fire. The Napoli fans love him, and Scottish fans view him alongside John McGinn as the talisman where the goals come from. It's been great to see him back after his health issue, and I'm excited to see how he performs under the new manager.
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