Scotland’s centre-back shortage puts Pocognoli’s defence under pressure

Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli faces a depleted central defence for Friday’s Nations League match against North Macedonia, with all three centre-backs who started his previous meeting with the side unavailable through injury.

Stephen Welsh, Scott McKenna and Luis Binks are out, leaving Pocognoli to choose from Ryan Porteous, David Bates, Jack Hendry and Luke Graham. The shortage comes as he seeks his first home win and tries to shore up a defence that struggled during his opening international window.

Bates, who has not played for Scotland in seven years, and Porteous, whose last of 13 caps came in March 2025, offer relatively little recent international experience. Hendry is approaching 50 caps. Graham has only made a brief appearance, coming on late in Scotland’s previous game against North Macedonia.

Pocognoli said Bates had been selected for his performances with Turkish club Amedspor, who are third in the league, and that his experience could help the squad. The coach also said injuries had left many defensive players unavailable.

Graham could be in line for a start after impressing on the left of a back three for Stoke City. Pocognoli could use a back three or a flat four, with Kieran Tierney potentially moving inside from the left.

The challenge is sharpened by the occasion: captain Andy Robertson is set to win his 102nd cap, matching Kenny Dalglish’s record for Scotland’s men. North Macedonia have gone 12 matches without a win and failed to score in their past eight, but Pocognoli’s side need a convincing defensive performance as they seek a first victory at Hampden under his management.