Scotland Squad News: Kristi Montgomery Called Up as Duo Withdraws 2026

Key Points

• Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery has earned his first senior Scotland call-up ahead of the team’s UEFA Nations League match.
• Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli added the 22-year-old to the squad to provide extra cover in defense and midfield.
• Celtic defender Kieran Tierney and Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean both withdrew from the squad because of injuries.
• Tierney went off during Celtic’s Scottish Premiership match against Rangers, while McLean played in Norwich’s 4-3 loss to Bolton Wanderers before pulling out.
• Scotland players are at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, preparing for Pocognoli’s first game in charge against Slovenia.
• After playing Slovenia, Scotland return to Hampden Park to face Switzerland before travelling for an away match against North Macedonia.

La Manga (Oxford Daily) September 21, 2026 – Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery has been officially called up to the senior Scotland national squad for the first time ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League opener against Slovenia. As reported by PA Media via STV News, the 22-year-old midfielder was brought in by team management to provide crucial depth following the unexpected dual withdrawals of experienced duo Kenny McLean and Kieran Tierney due to injury concerns.

The national team is currently based at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, where newly appointed head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is conducting preparations for his first official international fixture at the helm. Scotland are scheduled to travel to Slovenia for Saturday’s opening group fixture, before returning to Glasgow to host Switzerland at Hampden Park, followed by an away fixture in North Macedonia and a home return match against the Slovenians.

Why were Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean forced to pull out of the Scotland camp?

According to reporting by PA Media, injury complications over the weekend forced both senior international players to pull out of the traveling party. Defender Kieran Tierney suffered an injury setback that forced him off midway through Celtic’s Scottish Premiership defeat to local rivals Rangers at the weekend. Concurrently, Norwich City veteran Kenny McLean picked up a physical issue after playing the full match during his side’s high-scoring 4-3 Championship defeat against Bolton Wanderers at Carrow Road.

The loss of Tierney and McLean leaves head coach Sebastien Pocognoli without two of the most experienced figures in the national team setup as he prepares to make his debut on the international bench. The dual withdrawal necessitated quick reinforcements to maintain squad numbers ahead of the trip to Slovenia.

How did Kristi Montgomery earn his surprise international call-up?

As detailed in reporting from STV News and PA Media, Kristi Montgomery’s inclusion represents a notable milestone in his professional career. Born in England and eligible for Scottish selection through his mother, Montgomery previously represented Scotland at the Under-21 level.

The midfielder has enjoyed a swift rise through senior football over recent seasons, having logged lower-league loan spells before breaking into Blackburn Rovers’ first team in the EFL Championship. Having recently scored his first senior goal for Blackburn Rovers against Sheffield United, Montgomery’s club form caught the attention of the Scottish Football Association coaching staff, earning him a promotion from the age-group setup directly into the senior squad.

What lies ahead for Sebastien Pocognoli’s Scotland side in the Nations League?

As reported by STV News, the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign marks the formal beginning of Sebastien Pocognoli’s tenure as head coach. The manager’s immediate focus remains on Saturday’s opening fixture away to Slovenia.

The national team’s schedule will quickly intensify following the opening match:

1. Away vs Slovenia – UEFA Nations League Opener
2. Home vs Switzerland – Hampden Park, Glasgow
3. Away vs North Macedonia – UEFA Nations League
4. Home vs Slovenia – Hampden Park, Glasgow

With Montgomery joining the group in La Manga, Pocognoli will complete tactical preparations before flying the squad to Slovenia later this week.

Background of the particular development

The emergency call-up of Kristi Montgomery comes at a transitional period for the Scotland national football team. Following recent coaching changes, Sebastien Pocognoli took over the national team duties with an imperative to refresh squad depth while maintaining competitive results in Europe. The Scottish Football Association has focused on integrating younger talent alongside established core leaders. Montgomery’s progression through the youth international pipeline reflects this strategy.

Tierney and McLean have been central pillars of Scotland’s international squads in recent years. Tierney, a regular fixture in defense, has frequently dealt with recurring injury interruptions during his club and country career. Meanwhile, McLean has been a key midfield component during crucial international qualifiers. Their simultaneous absences highlight the persistent challenge national coaches face regarding player fitness and fixture congestion across domestic and European leagues.

Prediction: How this development can affect the Scottish national team and young players

This unexpected squad reshuffle is likely to affect both the immediate tactical setup of the national team and the broader pipeline for young Scottish international prospects.

For Sebastien Pocognoli, losing Tierney and McLean immediately tests squad depth and tactical flexibility in a competitive Nations League environment. Without two key leaders, the manager may need to rely on alternative combinations in midfield and defense, potentially altering the team’s planned shape against Slovenia.

For the Scottish national football audience and emerging youth players, Montgomery’s inclusion sends a clear signal that strong domestic performance and EFL Championship experience can lead directly to senior national team opportunities. Should Montgomery earn his first senior cap during this international window, it could accelerate his development at both club and international levels, while encouraging other Under-21 players that the bridge to the senior squad under Pocognoli remains open. Conversely, if Scotland struggles with inexperienced options in key areas, it may put early pressure on the new coaching staff to expedite the return of injured veterans for subsequent matches.