Pocognoli to lean on Scotland's 'captain group of five'

Pocognoli names McTominay among his five-man leadership group as Scotland prepare for North Macedonia.

Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has welcomed Scott McTominay back into his squad ahead of Friday's Nations League clash with North Macedonia at Hampden, describing the Napoli midfielder as one of his "fantastic leaders".

McTominay, 29, missed Pocognoli's first four games in charge while recovering from a minor heart procedure. He has now revealed he received treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat just two days before Scotland's World Cup win over Haiti in June. Pocognoli said the midfielder "is in my captain group of five" who will help enforce his instructions on the pitch.

Pocognoli, who guided Union Saint-Gilloise to their first Belgian title in 90 years, believes strong leadership is crucial. He also praised captain Andy Robertson, the Tottenham left-back, who is set to equal Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 caps. Scotland sit third in Nations League Group B1 and need at least four points from their final two games to have a chance of promotion.