Scott McTominay's Remarkable Return to Scotland

Why did McTominay miss Scotland's previous games?

McTominay missed Scotland's previous international camp after undergoing a minor heart procedure.

The absence was a temporary setback rather than the end of his involvement with the national team.

After returning to club football, McTominay quickly re-established himself in Napoli's starting lineup. By the time Scotland announced its latest squad, he had started seven consecutive matches for the Italian club and scored four goals during that run.

That form helped earn him a return to the national team.

His comeback also comes with a new chapter for Scotland.

Sebastien Pocognoli is now in charge of the national team, meaning McTominay will be working with a new head coach for the first time at international level.

Pocognoli's decision to bring him back underlines the importance of having an experienced midfielder available for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

McTominay's return gives Scotland another established player as the team continues its campaign.

How important has McTominay become for Scotland?

McTominay's Scotland career has developed dramatically since his debut against Costa Rica in March 2018.

His biggest breakthrough came during Euro 2024 qualifying.

He scored seven goals across Scotland's eight qualifying matches, finishing as the team's leading scorer.

Two of those goals came against Spain at Hampden Park in March 2023.

Scotland won 2-0, with McTominay scoring once in each half. The result gave Scotland six points from their opening two matches and became one of the defining victories of their qualifying campaign.

He had already scored twice against Cyprus four days earlier, meaning McTominay had four goals in Scotland's first two qualifiers.

His goalscoring form continued throughout the campaign.

By the time Scotland qualified for Euro 2024, McTominay had established himself as one of the team's most important attacking threats despite playing in midfield.

He also scored at the European Championship itself.

Against Switzerland in Germany, McTominay's first-half shot deflected off Fabian Schär and found the net as Scotland took the lead in a 1-1 draw.

Then came an even bigger moment.

In November 2025, Scotland faced Denmark in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.

McTominay opened the scoring with a spectacular overhead kick as Scotland eventually won 4-2.

The victory secured Scotland's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

By then, McTominay was no longer simply an important member of the squad.

He had become one of the faces of Scottish soccer.

What can McTominay bring to Scotland now?

McTominay returns with considerable experience.

He has played at multiple major tournaments for Scotland, including Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

He has also added a new dimension to his club career since leaving Manchester United for Napoli in 2024.

McTominay scored 12 goals during his first season in Italy as Napoli won Serie A. His performances earned him a place in the league's team of the year and the Serie A Most Valuable Player award.

That means Scotland are getting a midfielder who has developed significantly since his early international appearances.

He can contribute defensively, carry the ball forward and arrive in the box to score. His international record of 15 goals in 73 appearances is particularly notable for a player who primarily operates in midfield.

His return also gives Scotland another player with experience of high-pressure matches.

The upcoming Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland give McTominay an immediate opportunity to settle back into the team under Pocognoli.

There is no need to overstate what one player can change.

But Scotland have already seen what McTominay can provide when he is playing with confidence. His seven-goal Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, his double against Spain and his spectacular goal against Denmark all came during periods when he was making a major contribution to the national team.

Now he returns after a brief absence with his club form providing another reason for optimism.

McTominay's Scotland story has already taken him from a 21-year-old making his international debut to a key figure in a team that qualified for its first World Cup in almost three decades.

His return is another chapter in that story.