Pocognoli may require patience to deliver on Scotland shake-up

The Tartan Army are marching into the unknown as Scotland begin life without Steve Clarke, the nation's longest serving and most successful manager.

For seven years, they were guided by Clarke, who - despite leaving many feeling fatigued by his style of football - led them from the international wilderness to three major tournaments.

Sebastien Pocognoli is the man tasked with filling those big shoes.

The Belgian has already pocketed early goodwill by freshening up the squad, but that cordiality will only carry the 39-year-old so far if the promised style and substance is not delivered.

For co-hosts Scotland, it's harder not to qualify for Euro 2028 than it is to claim one of the 24 places, so that should provide patience for the new boss and the Scottish FA, which has taken a bit of a gamble going loco for Poco.