Ben Gannon Doak earns firm Scotland defence as Sebastien Pocognoli keeps the faith in wing enigma

Pocognoli backs Gannon-Doak to succeed despite struggling in a makeshift wing-back role; the 21-year-old won a penalty in Scotland's 2-1 Nations League win over North Macedonia.

Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has expressed his continued faith in Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak following another unconvincing display in Friday's 2-1 Nations League victory over North Macedonia at Hampden.

Gannon-Doak, deployed as a makeshift wing-back to fit Pocognoli's tactical system, has struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar position. However, he did create the penalty that John McGinn converted for the winning goal. Pocognoli acknowledged the youngster's difficulties but highlighted his creative contributions, noting that Gannon-Doak created "unbelievable one v ones" against Slovenia and North Macedonia.

Pocognoli believes the 21-year-old will improve with experience and regular game time. "He is a young lad, just 21," the manager said. "I believe in one moment he will have a click about decision making. I believe if he is playing every game he can make many decisions." Pocognoli stressed that Gannon-Doak's current output is "very good" for his age and that maturity will come with time.