Archie Gray and Hayden Hackney targeted for Scotland switch

Archie Gray could one day play for Scotland. Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed direct or indirect contact concerning Tottenham’s Archie Gray and Everton’s Hayden Hackney, who have both represented England at youth level, but says any decision must come from the players.

Neither has committed to Scotland. But for a manager who replaced Steve Clarke in August, it is a clear sign of intent. Both players are in the Premier League, both have Scottish roots and both are still uncapped at senior level.

What Pocognoli said about Archie Gray and Hackney

Pocognoli spoke openly about his search for eligible players, as reported by the Daily Record and The Scotsman.

“Yeah, I have had direct or indirect contact,” he said. “When I go to the direct contact it’s because I feel it’s a first positive approach. So yeah, I’ve done it with many players. I’ll do my best to bring them.”

He was careful not to rush anyone. “It won’t come from me, it has to come from them to show it,” he said. “I try to anticipate everything.”

He also stressed that both players are young, and that this could take time.

Why both players qualify

Gray has Scottish football in his blood. His father, Andy Gray, the former Leeds forward rather than the ex-Everton striker of the same name, won two caps for Scotland. His grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie, both Leeds legends, also played for Scotland.

The 20-year-old has represented England at youth level, including the Under-21s, but has not yet won a senior cap.

Hackney’s story is different. The former Middlesbrough midfielder has a Scottish mother and played for Scotland at Under-21 level before switching to England Under-21s. He joined Everton in the summer for £16.5m up front, a fee that could rise to around £24m with add-ons.

Gray has been in good form for Spurs. He opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at the end of October.

Barnes and the players who said no

Scotland have tried this before with mixed results. Clarke failed to persuade Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes to make the switch. But Scott McTominay and Che Adams did choose Scotland, and both became key players.

Despite previously appearing to rule it out, Newcastle’s Barnes remains on the Scottish FA’s radar, according to Goal.

The current squad comes first

Pocognoli insisted the players he already has remain his focus. “It will always be up to them to be the priority,” he said.

He believes results on the pitch will do the persuading. “The best way to convince players is to show good football,” Pocognoli said.

Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 at Hampden on Friday, with John McGinn scoring both goals, including the winning penalty. They finish their Nations League group campaign away to Switzerland on Monday 16 November.

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