The Scottish FA has identified Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli as its leading candidate to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland head coach. An appointment may be close, giving the new manager limited time before Scotland’s Nations League campaign begins in Slovenia on 26 September.

Pocognoli, 39, won Union Saint-Gilloise’s first Belgian league title in 90 years in 2024-25 before leaving Monaco at the end of last season. He is among several candidates interviewed by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland; Clarke resigned after Scotland’s World Cup group-stage exit despite signing a new four-year contract in May.