NEWS · 02 Oct 2026
Scotland's line‑up dilemma: Gannon‑Doak and Bowie, but not McGinn?
Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli is weighing his first selection for a match in North Macedonia, as he looks to secure his first win in charge. The key decision is whether to start Gannon‑Doak and Bowie while leaving McGinn on the bench.
Sebastien Pocognoli, who took charge of the Scottish national team last summer, has yet to record a victory in his 12 matches in charge. The upcoming fixture in North Macedonia on Saturday offers him a chance to turn that record around and secure his first win as manager.
One of the main questions facing Pocognoli is whether to start the young midfielder Gannon‑Doak and the forward Bowie, while excluding veteran defender McGinn from the starting XI. The decision reflects the balance between injecting fresh talent and relying on experience.
The choice carries implications for the team's tactical setup. Gannon‑Doak is known for his creativity in midfield, Bowie for his pace on the wings, whereas McGinn's defensive solidity has been a mainstay in previous line‑ups.
The match against North Macedonia is a key fixture in the qualification campaign, with both teams looking to climb the group standings. A win would boost Scotland's confidence and improve their position in the table.
Whatever the line‑up, the result will influence Pocognoli's standing with the Scottish FA and the media. A victory could cement his place, while a defeat may add pressure as the team prepares for the next set of fixtures.