# Montgomery gets Scotland call as Tierney and McLean drop out

> Blackburn midfielder Kristi Montgomery earns first senior call-up for Nations League squad under new coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
- Title: Montgomery gets Scotland call as Tierney and McLean drop out
- Summary: Blackburn midfielder Kristi Montgomery earns first senior call-up for Nations League squad under new coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Montgomery's promotion from…
- Keywords: scotland, kristi montgomery, blackburn rovers, sebastien pocognoli, nations league, kieran tierney, kenny mclean, football squad selection, under-21 promotion, sports, Montgomery, gets
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6wyz22d39ldo
- Published: 2026-09-21T17:32:06.237+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scotland, kristi montgomery, blackburn rovers, sebastien pocognoli, nations league, kieran tierney, kenny mclean, football squad selection, under-21 promotion, sports
## Montgomery gets first senior call
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery has been promoted from Scotland Under-21s by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli for the Nations League squad.
## Tierney and McLean drop out
Celtic defender Kieran Tierney and Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean have withdrawn from the squad, removing 119 international caps of experience.
## Eight uncapped players in squad
Montgomery joins seven other uncapped players including Luke Graham, Robbie Ure, Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh in the 27-strong group.
## Gilmour returns after injury
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour returns to the squad after missing the World Cup through injury, while several experienced players including McTominay, Adams and Shankland were unavailable.
## Montgomery impressing at Blackburn
The 22-year-old has started all eight Championship matches this season for Tony Mowbray's side, which sits 16th in the league after narrowly avoiding relegation last year.

> He's an amazing young footballer who is playing in the battleground of the match in the middle of the pitch and is generally coming out with the ball after winning every duel he goes into.
## Nations League fixtures ahead
Scotland will face Slovenia twice, Switzerland and North Macedonia in the upcoming Nations League matches under Pocognoli's management.
## Key takeaway

Montgomery's promotion from Under-21s highlights Scotland's squad refresh under new management, with eight uncapped players now in the 27-strong group.