# McTominay's absence reshapes Scotland's midfield plans

> Scotland's new coach Pocognoli navigates midfield uncertainty as McTominay recovers from heart surgery
- Title: McTominay's absence reshapes Scotland's midfield plans
- Summary: Scotland's new coach Pocognoli navigates midfield uncertainty as McTominay recovers from heart surgery Pocognoli will test McTominay's return with flexible…
- Keywords: scott mctominay, sebastien pocognoli, scotland, nations league, switzerland, bournemouth, ben gannon-doak, nfl, sports, McTominay's, absence, reshapes
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/27/scott-mctominay-sebastien-pocognoli-scotland-switzerland-nations-league
- Published: 2026-09-27T21:30:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scott mctominay, sebastien pocognoli, scotland, nations league, switzerland, bournemouth, ben gannon-doak, nfl, sports
## McTominay's heart surgery
Scott McTominay missed Scotland's Nations League opener after minor heart surgery
## Pocognoli's midfield strategy
Pocognoli uses Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson as central midfielders with John McGinn ahead
## McTominay's return timeline
McTominay expected to return to Scotland in November after heart surgery
## Pocognoli's midfield flexibility
Pocognoli says McTominay can play multiple positions but needs time to adjust

> He can play in many positions. He is a top player so he can read the game.
## Ben Gannon-Doak's role
Pocognoli plans to integrate Ben Gannon-Doak as a winger despite limited club game time
## Oli McBurnie's impact
Oli McBurnie shows strong attitude after 17-game scoring drought with Scotland

> He played a good game. In the first half when it was difficult ... but in that moment you give up or you stick together to fight for the team.
## Key takeaway

Pocognoli will test McTominay's return with flexible tactics after his absence in Nations League opener