Scottish Football Podcast

Andy Halliday and Rory Loy assess Saturday's action as Rangers defeat Kilmarnock to leapfrog Celtic at the top of the Premiership. Big wins also for Hearts, Dundee Utd and Dundee.

Can Rangers extend their impressive run and pile the pressure on Celtic by moving to the top of the Premiership? Martin Dowden, Ewan Murray and Scott Allan assess why Derek McInnes' side have turned their season around and what to expect against Kilmarnock. There's also a first look at Marink Reedijk's Hibernian as he takes charge at Dundee United. Can a new manager spark an instant revival at Easter Road? And with Celtic travelling to Motherwell after a difficult spell, is this a must-win match for Martin O'Neill's side? Plus discussion on Hearts, Dundee's injury problems, Aberdeen's progress and the key fixtures across the Scottish Premiership weekend. 00:01:58 — Was the international break too long? 00:04:17 — Rangers' chance to go top against Kilmarnock 00:07:44 — What's behind Rangers' resurgence? 00:10:45 — Marink Reedijk first game as Hibs boss 00:15:04 — Hearts v St Mirren: a crucial run begins 00:17:47 — Falkirk v Dundee 00:19:11 — Celtic's trip to Motherwell 00:20:31 — Can Jota spark a Celtic revival? 00:23:58 — Aberdeen v St Johnstone 00:25:16 — Could St Johnstone cause an upset?

With the international break over, which clubs are best placed to seize the initiative in the Premiership? Can Martin O’Neill steady Celtic amid supporter unrest, mounting pressure and a demanding European schedule? And will Rangers benefit from having no continental distractions as Derek McInnes attempts to build a title challenge? Andy Burke is joined by Ryan Flynn and Alison McConnell to assess Dundee’s injury problems, the new era at Hibs, Aberdeen’s improving form and Motherwell’s difficult run. Plus, can Scotland's women overcome Czechia and move closer to the Women’s World Cup in Brazil? 00:02:05 — Can Celtic calm the growing turmoil? 00:05:20 — Rangers’ schedule advantage 00:07:54 — Can Rangers pile on the pressure? 00:10:13 — Dundee’s injury crisis 00:12:03 — Can Saints stay in the top six? 00:14:07 — A new era begins at Hibs 00:15:42 — Aberdeen turn the corner 00:17:34 — Can Motherwell expose Celtic? 00:19:40 — Time to worry for Falkirk and Kilmarnock? 00:22:20 — Scotland women’s World Cup test

What should we make of Scotland's slump to defeat against Slovenia at Hampden? Four games into Pocognoli's time in charge, how clear is his project, and is the back three the right fit for the players he has? With second place in the Nations League group now looking a long way off, is it time to go back to the drawing board? Martin Dowden, Steven McGowan and Cammy Bell look at a flat night at Hampden. Scotland took the lead but deserved to lose. The panel looks at a press that never worked as one unit, a high line that kept getting broken by a single ball over the top, and centre-backs Stephen Welsh, Jack Hendry and Binks being left exposed one-on-one. They also discuss three formation changes in one game, Andy Robertson asking the touchline what to do, and whether Slovenia had studied Scotland's last few games. Plus, is a 4-2-3-1 the answer, and is Steve Clarke now looking a little better in hindsight? Plus, should Kieran Bowie have started after scoring against North Macedonia? Has Ollie McBurnie's run without a goal gone on too long? How can Scotland get the best out of Ben Gannon-Doak while he isn't playing at Bournemouth? Is the criticism of Angus Gunn fair, or does the trouble start well before the ball reaches him? Do Josh McPake, James Wilson and the under-21s give Scotland real depth? And with Martin O'Neill committing to stay as Celtic manager, can he get through Motherwell, Benfica, Hearts and Celta Vigo with his critics quiet?

Willie Miller, Andy Halliday, Leanne Crichton and Tom English debate what went wrong for Pocognoli's Scotland side, outplayed by Slovenia at Hampden in the Nations League.

Scotland return to Hampden looking to build on an encouraging win over North Macedonia, but what have we learned from Sebastian Pocognoli's first few games in charge? John Walker, Michael Grant and Andy Burke assess the new manager's high-pressing approach, the growing influence of players like Ben Gannon-Doak and Kieron Bowie, and whether Scotland are beginning to find a new identity. Is Pocognoli close to settling on his best XI? Could the striker battle be one of the most intriguing selection debates in the squad? And what threat do Slovenia pose as the sides meet again after a goalless draw in Ljubljana? 00:02:06 — Taking stock of the Pocognoli era 00:08:28 — Is Scotland's best XI starting to emerge? 00:10:39 — Bowie, McBurnie and the striker debate 00:14:06 — Slovenia preview and the key threats 00:17:43 — Hampden, momentum and fan buy-in 00:22:09 — What would seven points from four games mean?

Scotland have their first win under Sebastian Pocognoli, but what did the performance really tell us about the future direction of the national team? Is a clear tactical identity beginning to emerge, and can Scotland become more attacking while keeping their defensive solidity? Charlotte Cohen, Rory Loy and Craig Telfer assess the growing partnership up front, discuss whether Scotland should have scored more goals, and look ahead to the challenge of Slovenia. There’s also a closer look at Andy Robertson after his 100th cap, debate over John McGinn’s role and form, and the big question of where Scott McTominay fits into this evolving Scotland side? 00:02:33 — Is the Pocognoli blueprint emerging? 00:04:51 — Scotland’s finishing problem or a good sign? 00:09:39 — Robertson at 100: where does he rank? 00:14:34 — Can John McGinn rediscover his best form? 00:16:31 — The McTominay selection dilemma 00:19:04 — Are Scotland fans buying into the new approach?

Richard Gordon, Willie Miller, Callum Davidson and Rory Loy talk Scotland after the win over North Macedonia

Ryan Jack and Scott Brown debate Pocognoli's first win as Scotland boss in the Nations League against North Macedonia.

After a difficult start to the Nations League campaign, can Scotland finally find the goals and points they desperately need in North Macedonia? Martin Dowden is joined by Scott Allan and Joelle Murray to assess the pressure facing Sebastian Pocognoli, the defensive issues exposed against Switzerland and whether patience is already running thin. With Andy Robertson on the brink of a century of caps, what does his leadership mean to this evolving Scotland side? Plus, discussion on Ian Murray's departure from Morton, Cove Rangers' transfer penalty, Ayr United's need for results, and a look ahead to Sunday's Edinburgh Derby in the SWPL. 00:01:47 — Martin Boyle's Testimonial Tribute 00:03:43 — Scotland's Must-Win Trip to Macedonia 00:07:09 — Defensive Concerns Under Pocognoli 00:13:19 — Morton's Managerial Change Examined 00:18:23 — Cove Rangers Hit by Transfer Penalty 00:19:43 — Edinburgh Derby and the SWPL Title Race

Scotland's defeat to Switzerland leaves plenty of questions for Sebastian Pocognoli and his players. Was Angus Gunn unfairly criticised, are defensive issues becoming a bigger concern, and can the goals start flowing again? Andy Burke, Mark Atkinson and Cammy Bell assess the challenges facing Scotland ahead of crucial matches against North Macedonia and beyond. They also examine the continued silence from Celtic over Martin O'Neill's future and ask whether the international break has given everyone at Celtic Park the chance to reset. Plus, who are the Premiership's biggest overachievers and underachievers so far, and which players have made the strongest start to the season? 00:02:00 — Scotland's goalkeeping debate 00:06:37 — Defensive concerns under Pochegnoli 00:10:33 — Where will Scotland's goals come from? 00:14:21 — Celtic's silence over Martin O'Neill 00:20:46 — Premiership overachievers and underachievers 00:23:29 — Standout players and dressing-room intrigue

Scotland's honeymoon period under Sebastian Pocognoli has hit its first bump after a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland at Hampden. How much damage did Jack Hendry's early red card do, and should the result be judged in that context? David Currie, Rory Loy and Stephen McGowan assess whether Scotland's problems are deeper than one difficult night, with concerns over goals, clean sheets and key players finding form? Do we need to talk about John McGinn? and has the North Macedonia game now become a MUST win? 00:02:33 — Red card turns Hampden sour 00:04:08 — No goals, no wins and familiar frustrations 00:08:14 — Oli McBurnie emerges as a bright spot 00:10:02 — We need to talk about John McGinn 00:14:48 — Is Pocognoli going to get the time he needs? 00:21:40 — North Macedonia: opportunity or necessity?

Andy Halliday, Willie Miller and Tom English assess Scotland's disappointing Nations League defeat to Switzerland, in Pocognoli's first match at Hampden.

Sebastian Pocognoli gets his first home game as Scotland head coach, but can his side rise to the challenge against a talented Switzerland team? David Currie is joined by Swiss football enthusiast Paddy Gunn and analyst John Walker to assess the threat posed by the visitors and examine where Scotland might find an edge. Is pressing high the key? Should Oli McBurnie lead the line? How important could Billy Gilmour be in unlocking the Swiss midfield? And with Hampden set for a big occasion, can Scotland produce a result against one of Europe's most consistent international sides? 00:03:03 — Why Switzerland Are Taking Scotland Seriously 00:05:15 — Just How Good Are the Swiss? 00:09:09 — Scotland's Tactical Plan Explained 00:12:16 — Does McBurnie Have to Start? 00:15:56 — Life Without Granit Xhaka 00:25:09 — Predictions for Hampden

A goalless draw in Slovenia marked the beginning of Sebastian Pocognoli's reign as Scotland head coach, but what did we learn from the first glimpse of his new-look side? Jane Lewis is joined by Mark Atkinson to assess the positives, the problems and the potential. Was Scotland's more aggressive approach a sign of things to come? How impressive were debutants Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh? Why did Billy Gilmour emerge as the standout performer and would a fully fit Scot McTominay walk straight back into the starting line-up? And with World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland heading to Hampden, can Scotland take the next step in this new era or will a tougher test expose areas still needing work? 00:01:20 — First impressions of the Pocognoli era 00:07:58 — Billy Gilmour takes centre stage 00:09:52 — The McTominay selection dilemma 00:12:23 — New faces: Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh 00:16:11 — McBurney's Scotland return under the spotlight 00:18:54 — Switzerland arrive for Pocognoli's Hampden debut

Richard Gordon is joined by Callum Davidson, Michael Stewart, Willie Miller and Ramon Vega to preview Scotland v Switzerland, plus we learn more about Hibs' new manager

Andy Halliday, Pat Nevin and Tom English assess positive signs in Pocognoli's first Scotland match despite failing to convert their chances away to Slovenia in the Nations League.

Bonus preview of Slovenia v Scotland, presented by Alasdair Lamont with former internationals James McFadden, Pat Nevin and commentator Liam McLeod.

A new manager, a new-look squad and a fresh sense of optimism. As Scotland prepare for their Nations League opener in Slovenia, Andy Burke is joined by Scott Allan and John Walker to discuss what supporters can expect from the first match under Sebastian Pocognoli. Can Scotland successfully switch to a more attacking style? Which players are best suited to the new approach? And how quickly can those ideas take shape on the international stage? Plus, the team assess Hibs' appointment of Marink Reedijk , what his coaching record tells us, and whether the Easter Road side have found the manager to kickstart a new chapter. 02:03 — What will Pocignoli's Scotland look like? 05:14 — Do Scotland have the players for a new style? 08:49 — How long will Scotland need to adapt? 09:47 — Is Slovenia the ideal first test? 13:11 — Do modern managers still need time? 18:05 — Hibs' new era under Marink Reedijk

After five years away, Oli McBurnie is back in the Scotland squad and determined to make his second chance count. He tells Tom English why the recall meant so much to his family and reflects on missing out under Steve Clarke. How has fatherhood changed him on and off the pitch? What really happened in the old video that fuelled claims he did not want to represent Scotland? McBurnie also discusses the insecurities behind his younger self, the lessons he learned while playing in Spain and why scoring his first international goal would mean everything. 00:37 — Tattoos, Scarface and life beyond football 01:29 — The long road back to Scotland 03:39 — Missing out and answering the critics 06:55 — Chasing that first Scotland goal 08:13 — How McBurnie has changed 11:14 — The video, the truth and a fresh start