Five Rangers players are in contention for Scotland selection when the new boss names his first squad on September 15
Sebastien Pocognoli will name his first Scotland squad on next Tuesday, with several Rangers players hoping to catch the new manager's eye.
Scotland face Slovenia twice, Bojan Miovski's North Macedonia and Switzerland across an extended international break.
The former Belgium international has already outlined his desire to put his own stamp on the national team, with the development of young Scottish talent set to be an important part of his plans.
That could create opportunities for some Rangers players, although there are also some clear cases where injury, competition or a lack of first-team football could count against them.
Here is how the current chances of the five Rangers players most relevant to the Scotland squad stack up.
Liam Kelly
Liam Kelly has yet to make an appearance under Derek McInnes and has remained behind Ivor Pandur in the Rangers goalkeeping pecking order since the Croatian replaced Jack Butland.
However, Scotland's already slim options between the sticks have been reduced following Craig Gordon's retirement, meaning Kelly should still have a strong chance of retaining his place as the Tartan Army's third-choice goalkeeper.
Former Scotland boss Steve Clarke previously explained why Kelly was selected for the World Cup squad despite his limited regular football.
“The decision regarding the three goalkeepers was difficult, especially with some not playing regularly,” he said.
“Liam Kelly was chosen as a good third goalkeeper with a positive influence on the squad.”
Kelly's lack of minutes at Rangers is therefore a concern, but the competition for the Scotland goalkeeper positions means he remains one of the Ibrox players with a realistic chance of making Pocognoli's first squad.
Scotland chances: 7/10
John Souttar
John Souttar's prospects look considerably weaker. The defender has been completely out of McInnes' plans and has not even made a competitive matchday squad for Rangers this season.
The possibility of a move remains open, with McInnes revealing that Souttar has been told his long-term future would be best elsewhere and that there is interest from clubs in European leagues.
“I think the likelihood is that John has been told his long term future would be best elsewhere,” McInnes said ahead of Rangers’ match with St Mirren.
“He still has good opportunities, there’s still an opportunity to move, there’s a couple of windows, a few windows still open across Europe, and there is a few things looking possible for John.
“I don't want to speculate how much that is, but I think there is one or two things that he's quite keen on, and one or two things that's maybe getting a wee bit of traction.”
A move this week could give Souttar an opportunity to get regular football again, but even securing a transfer would make a September 15 Scotland call-up difficult given his lack of competitive action.
McInnes added: “Of course, our window to bring players in is shut, but there’s still that possibility for John, and probably for him to go and get regular football and peace of mind, that might be the best option for him.
“But if he doesn't move, and there isn't anything that materialises, then of course we honour the contract, and he comes back into things.”
Scotland chances: 1/10
Lawrence Shankland
Lawrence Shankland would have been one of the strongest Rangers candidates for selection following his excellent start to the season.
The Rangers captain scored three goals across victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk, putting himself firmly into the Scotland conversation.
But his hamstring injury suffered against Motherwell has ruled him out of contention.
McInnes confirmed that Shankland has suffered a tear and could be facing a significant spell on the sidelines.
“He's had his scan with confirmation that he's had a tear,” he explained. “It's a 2C tear and similar to the one he did previously at Hearts in January.”
“But unfortunately for us and Lawrence, it's a significant amount of time out.
“I think best-case scenario, three months, probably worst-case scenario in terms of time about four months.”
Shankland was subsequently sent to London for further assessment to determine whether surgery would be required, meaning there is no realistic prospect of the Rangers striker featuring in Pocognoli's first squad.
Scotland chances: 0/10
James Penrice
James Penrice has made an impressive start to life at Rangers since arriving on loan from AEK Athens following Tuur Rommens' injury.
His performances have put him into the conversation, but the left-back faces perhaps the toughest competition of all the Rangers players hoping for a Scotland call-up.
Kieran Tierney and Scotland captain Andrew Robertson remain firmly established ahead of him, while Josh Doig is also likely to be considered for the position.
That means Penrice's excellent Rangers form may not be enough to force his way into Pocognoli's first squad.
Scotland chances: 3/10
Findlay Curtis
Findlay Curtis looks the strongest Rangers candidate for inclusion.
After impressing during his loan spell at Kilmarnock under Neil McCann, Curtis earned a place in Clarke's World Cup squad before returning to Rangers and establishing himself as a regular first-team player.
His current role at Ibrox, combined with his previous involvement with the senior Scotland squad, gives him an excellent opportunity to remain in the national-team picture.
Pocognoli has already stressed his intention to develop the next generation of Scottish players, saying during his introductory press conferences that he wants to “add his own emphasis to the style of play and the development of young players for the future of Scottish football.”
That philosophy should work in Curtis' favour. There has also already been a public push for the youngster to become a regular part of Scotland squads, with Kris Boyd among those calling for him to be involved.
With Curtis now playing regular first-team football for Rangers, the case for his inclusion is even stronger than it was during his time out on loan.
Scotland chances: 9/10
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