New Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli wants Billy Gilmour to play with confidence and enjoyment, believing the midfielder’s quick passing and understanding can help the team improve after their disappointing World Cup. Gilmour impressed in the second half of Pocognoli’s first match, a goalless Nations League draw away to Slovenia, and is expected to feature against Switzerland at Hampden Park.

Pocognoli said Gilmour should accept the risk of making mistakes to show his qualities, and praised the form he had previously shown at Brighton. He also warned that players with limited club minutes, including Ben Gannon-Doak, Ryan Christie and Aaron Hickey, may struggle to earn Scotland places as Euro 2028 qualifying approaches, because the team’s physical demands require regular match fitness.