Montgomery earns first Scotland call-up after Tierney & McLean drop out

Scotland have added a fresh name to their Nations League group: Kristi Montgomery, the Blackburn Rovers midfielder, earns a first senior call-up after Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean withdrew from the squad, according to BBC Sport.

A first taste of the senior job

New head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has promoted Montgomery from the Under-21s for the matches against Slovenia (twice), Switzerland and North Macedonia. BBC Sport also notes that several experienced players were unavailable before Pocognoli made his selections, including Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland.

Playing his way in

Montgomery is 22 and has been a regular for Blackburn. BBC Sport highlights that he’s started eight Championship matches this season and has played in all 10 of the club’s games so far this campaign. While Blackburn are currently 16th in the Championship and finished 20th last season, Montgomery’s performances have stood out.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray has been effusive about him. BBC Sport quotes the manager praising Montgomery as “an amazing young footballer” who battles in midfield and often comes out “with the ball after winning every duel he goes into.”

More changes in the squad

Within the 27-man group, Montgomery is the eighth uncapped player. BBC Sport also reports that some players have been recalled and that Billy Gilmour returns after missing the World Cup through injury.

The full structure

The squad is listed by position, with Montgomery included among the midfielders alongside names such as Billy Gilmour and John McGinn, as detailed by BBC Sport.