Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Scotland pursues Archie Gray and Hayden Hackney for its national team
Scotland coach Sebastien Pocognoli is trying to recruit players eligible for England to strengthen his squad.
Tottenham's Archie Gray and Everton's Hayden Hackney are among those in talks with Scotland.
Both were born in England and have played for its Under-21 team, but family connections mean they could still represent Scotland.
Hackney has also played for Scotland's Under-21s.
The discussions come ahead of Euro 2028 qualifying next year, but neither player has made a final choice.
Pocognoli says Scotland will keep current squad members as its priority while assessing potential recruits.
He says good football and a strong team environment are the best way to attract players, and the situation will be clearer in time.
Scotland is stepping up efforts to persuade England-eligible players to represent the national team, manager Sebastien Pocognoli said.
Tottenham’s Archie Gray and Everton’s Hayden Hackney are among those in ongoing discussions, according to the Daily Mail.
Both have represented England at Under-21 level and could switch to Scotland through family connections.
Pocognoli said the players would need to decide for themselves and that Scotland aims to attract recruits with good football and a strong team environment.
- Who
- Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli is pursuing Archie Gray and Hayden Hackney.
- What
- Scotland is trying to persuade the players to represent its national team.
- When
- The discussions are ongoing ahead of Euro 2028 qualifiers next year.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Pocognoli and the Scottish Football Association believe the players could improve the squad.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Scotland tried to persuade Harvey Barnes to switch allegiance, but he said he felt English.
Pocognoli said Scotland was in dialogue with eligible players, with Gray and Hackney among those reportedly in discussions.
- Players in reported discussions
- Archie Gray and Hayden Hackney
- Gray’s club
- Tottenham
- Hackney’s club
- Everton
- International experience
- Both have represented England at Under-21 level
- Potential qualification route
- Family connections could allow them to switch to Scotland
What people are saying
We are always proactive in all of these situations.
The best way to convince players is to show good football, show them they can come to us, enjoy it and be successful.
In the end, it’s a human decision, a feeling.