In comparison to the embarrassment of riches the head coach has in midfield and, more sparingly, in the forward areas, the heart of the back line is a bit bare.
Whoever slots alongside Tottenham Hotspur’s Robertson – whether in Pocognoli’s preferred back three, which could see Kieran Tierney shift in on the left side, or flat four – it’s unlikely the combined caps haul of his centre-back buddies will come nearly close to his century plus.
The last of Los Angeles FC’s Porteous’ 13 came against Greece in March 2025, while Bates picked up four under Alex McLeish six years before that.
Saudi Arabia-based Hendry is closing in on the half-century, while Celtic’s Tierney has surpassed it. Graham got a matter of minutes in North Macedonia after McKenna was dismissed.
Bates was playing in Germany with Hamburg when he faced Albania, Israel, Kazakhstan and San Marino and, after stints at a couple of clubs in Belgium, he’s found himself with newly promoted albeit impressive Turkish Super Lig side Amedspor.
“There are a lot of players who are not available for the defensive line, but [David’s] not there for nothing,” Pocognoli said at Hampden on Thursday.
“He’s there because he’s performing well in Turkey with a team third in the rankings, in a tough competition.”
Managed by Besnik Hasi – who played and managed in the Belgian’s homeland – the head coach added: “I know the coach there as well, so I know he’s also demanding a lot to the players.
“I can imagine the spirit in which he trains every day and I think for this camp, his experience can help some aspects on the pitch.”
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