New Scotland head coach to work with his former West Brom boss

Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed he will work with his former West Brom manager.

The ex-Baggies left-back took over from Steve Clarke following this summer’s early World Cup exit - and has now sorted out the rest of his backroom team.

That will include Alan Irvine, who brought Pocognoli to The Hawthorns from Hannover in a £1.5million deal in the summer of 2014.

Pocognoli said: “Alan Irvine signed me for West Bromwich Albion as a player back in 2014. Back then, I couldn’t have predicted that our paths would lead to the Scotland national team.

“I am really pleased that Alan didn’t hesitate in agreeing to stay on. His passion for the role is obvious, as is his quality on the training pitch. He has the respect of everyone who has worked with him.

“His coaching career has lasted more than 30 years and he will bring invaluable experience to our group, particularly having recently experienced the FIFA World Cup and, of course, his ongoing work with Everton in the English Premier League.”

While Irvine would not see the year out after winning just four of his 19 Premier League matches in charge, Pocognoli stayed at Albion until 2017.

However, new boss Tony Pulis preferred other players at left-back and the Belgian would join Brighton on loan for the 2016/17 season, before leaving permanently to re-sign for Standard Liege at the end of the season.

Former Belgium assistant coach Luke Benstead and Cameron Campbell, Tottenham’s first-team individual development coach, will complete Pocognoli’s three-strong assistant coach team.

Irvine - who is also assistant to David Moyes at Everton - stays on after working under Steve Clarke.

Pocognoli names his first squad on Tuesday ahead of four Nations League games against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia, twice.