DESPITE SCOTLAND’S 2-1 WIN, FANS DEMAND TWO PLAYERS BE DROPPED AFTER NORTH MACEDONIA GAME

Scotland may have secured a crucial 2-1 victory over North Macedonia at Hampden Park, but the result has not completely satisfied supporters.
Instead of celebrating the three points and John McGinn’s decisive double, sections of the Scotland support have turned their attention towards two players whose performances have left them demanding changes to Sébastien Pocognoli’s team.

The victory was Scotland’s second win over North Macedonia in their recent meetings and gave Pocognoli another important result in the Nations League. McGinn proved to be the difference-maker, scoring in the 54th minute before converting a 74th-minute penalty to secure all three points. North Macedonia briefly levelled through Elmin Rastoder in the 57th minute. (FotMob)

But despite the scoreline, the feeling among some supporters is that Scotland cannot afford to continue carrying players who are failing to convince when the competition becomes more demanding.

A WIN THAT DID NOT ANSWER EVERY QUESTION

Scotland entered the match knowing that another positive result was essential after their previous Nations League disappointment against Slovenia.

Pocognoli’s side eventually got the result they wanted, but the performance was far from perfect.

Scotland dominated possession and created opportunities, yet North Macedonia repeatedly threatened to make the match uncomfortable. The visitors even found an equaliser shortly after McGinn had opened the scoring.

According to match statistics, Scotland finished with 55 per cent possession, 17 goal attempts and seven shots on target. They also won nine corners and eventually produced enough pressure to force the penalty that McGinn converted. (DailySports)

However, supporters were looking beyond the final score.

For some fans, the issue was not whether Scotland won. It was whether certain individuals had done enough to justify remaining in the starting XI or even retaining their place in the squad for future matches.

ONE PLAYER CAME UNDER PARTICULAR SCRUTINY

The first player attracting criticism was involved in Scotland’s midfield.

He was given an important role in Pocognoli’s 3-4-1-2 formation, operating alongside Lewis Ferguson while John McGinn played further forward.

On paper, the setup gave Scotland control in the middle of the pitch. In reality, supporters felt that one of the midfield positions was not providing enough influence.

The criticism became even louder because Scotland had players capable of bringing energy, control and greater attacking involvement into the midfield.

The player in question was Billy Gilmour.

Gilmour has long been regarded as one of Scotland’s technically gifted midfielders, and his inclusion in the squad was no surprise. The Scottish FA lists him among Pocognoli’s midfield options, alongside McGinn, McTominay, Ferguson, Ryan Christie and others. (Scottish FA)

However, against North Macedonia, some supporters clearly wanted more.

His performance was made even more frustrating by a missed opportunity early in the second half, before McGinn eventually broke the deadlock. The Guardian’s match report specifically noted that Gilmour missed a clear chance shortly before Scotland took the lead. (The Guardian)

For supporters demanding a reaction from Pocognoli, that moment became part of a wider argument: Scotland need players who can make decisive contributions when matches become difficult.

THE SECOND PLAYER IS FROM THE DEFENCE

But Gilmour was not the only player to face criticism.

Another Scotland player has also found himself under pressure following the performance.

This time, the concern comes from the defensive side of the team.

Scotland started with a back three featuring Ryan Porteous, Kieran Tierney and a young defender who was given another opportunity at international level.

The 22-year-old had been included in Pocognoli’s squad for the Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland. The Scottish FA had already identified him as one of the options available in defence after changes to the squad caused by injuries. (Scottish FA)

Against North Macedonia, however, supporters were not completely convinced.

That player was Luke Graham.

The argument from frustrated supporters is not necessarily that Graham should never play for Scotland again. Rather, some believe that he should currently be removed from the starting XI, and potentially from the wider squad, until he can establish himself more convincingly at international level.

That is a significant demand considering Graham is still only 22 and is developing his international experience.

FANS ARE NOT IGNORING THE RESULT

Importantly, the criticism does not mean Scotland fans are unhappy about the victory.

McGinn’s performance was one of the major positives of the evening.

The Aston Villa midfielder scored twice, including the penalty that ultimately decided the contest, while Scotland also produced enough attacking pressure to finish the match with seven shots on target. (FotMob)

There were other positives too.

Andy Robertson started the match and reached 102 Scotland appearances, equalling Sir Kenny Dalglish’s record for the most appearances by a Scottish men’s international. (The Guardian)

Scotland also secured a result that keeps their hopes of pushing towards the Nations League promotion play-offs alive.

The Scottish FA had warned before the match that two victories could be required to keep those hopes alive, with Switzerland waiting in the next fixture. (Scottish FA)

That makes the supporters’ concerns even more relevant.

THE SWITZERLAND TEST COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

Scotland now face Switzerland, and that match could provide Pocognoli with an important opportunity to respond to the criticism.

North Macedonia are currently ranked below Scotland, while Switzerland represent a considerably different challenge.

Against stronger opposition, Scotland will need greater defensive concentration and more control in midfield.

That is why supporters are questioning whether Gilmour and Graham should continue to receive opportunities ahead of other options.

The demands may be harsh, but international football is often unforgiving.

A player can have one good moment and still be questioned over the wider performance. Equally, a team can win while leaving supporters convinced that changes are necessary.

That appears to be exactly what has happened at Hampden.

POCNOGOLI NOW HAS A DECISION TO MAKE

The Scotland manager has already shown that he is willing to make changes when circumstances require them.

With the next international match approaching, he now faces another decision.

Does he keep faith with the players who helped Scotland beat North Macedonia?

Or does he listen to supporters calling for changes after a performance that, despite producing three points, still exposed weaknesses?

The answer will become clearer when the next team sheet is released.

For now, the message from frustrated Scotland supporters is straightforward.

They enjoyed the win. They celebrated McGinn’s goals. They welcomed the three points.

But they believe Scotland must be better.

And two players have emerged as the names fans want Pocognoli to reconsider: Luke Graham and Billy Gilmour.

The victory may have moved Scotland forward in the Nations League.

But the debate over who should be trusted to take them even further has only just begun.