Pocognoli on McBurnie, faith in youth and 'expermintation'
New head coach Sebastian Pocognoli has been speaking to the media after naming his first Scotland squad. Here are the main points from the news conference: Pocognoli, who has handed five first call-ups among seven uncapped players, says on the make-up of his squad: "The most important thing is regarding the style of play I want. My focus is to select the players regarding that. There are a lot of names that can also be on that squad. I think we have a good mix of experience and players going for their first cap and players that are back. The important thing is to have these experienced players who have just passed the DNA, the heritage and also the culture." Pocognoli says Brondby defender and captain Luis Binks, who has been capped at youth level by England and Scotland, did not need persuading. The Belgian adds: "I don't need to convince the players to play for the country. For me it's timing, the timing was right. The feeling and the timing about him was right. If I have to convince players to play Scotland they will not be there." On why he has brought Oli McBurnie back, Pocognoli says: "Regarding style of play, playing time and performance. I have to start on a new journey, a new book, it's a new opportunity for some players. He had a great season last season with Hull, [is now] playing in the Premier League." On the youthful look of his squad - seven players are still Under-21 eligible - Pocognoli says: "Just to be clear, I want to do this, but I will never do it just because I want to try a team. Whoever I selected has to perform well." He accepts there is "some experimentation you have to do" at the start of his tenure but knows "the most important thing is to continue winning". The head coach insists "the door is not closed" on those who have missed out on selection, adding: "When I analysed the squad, I think we have a team that can fit with what I want to implement on the pitch. It doesn't mean what we did in the past was wrong, I just want to bring a different aspect." Celtic full-back Colby Donovan, called up for the first time, has been playing well and "needs to improve on things like every young lad".
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