Aberdeen FC captain Kevin Nisbet is making an undeniable case for a Scotland recall with a stunning start to the 2026/27 season. The 29-year-old striker has netted nine times in seven appearances, a form surge that coincides with the appointment of new Scotland boss Sébastien Pocognoli. Nisbet's renaissance should not be overlooked as Pocognoli prepares to name his first squad next month.
Nisbet's goal rush includes six strikes against lower-league opposition in the Premier Sports Cup group stages. He also converted a penalty in Aberdeen's Premiership opener against Hearts and scored a brace in the League Cup round of 16 victory over Dundee. His last Scotland cap came in 2023, with his most recent call-up dating back to October 2024. A serious injury previously derailed his career after spells with Hibernian and Raith Rovers, but he has fought back to lead the line for the Dons.
Sebastien Pocognoli's arrival as Scotland manager creates a fresh opportunity for players who have been out of the international picture. The Belgian coach will name his squad in the coming weeks ahead of a packed Nations League schedule. Scotland begins its campaign away to Slovenia on September 26, followed by a home match against Switzerland, a trip to North Macedonia, and a return fixture with Slovenia at Hampden Park. These four games are compressed into a ten-day period.
With Scotland having scored only four goals in nine matches across its last three major tournament finals, Pocognoli is expected to assess all forward options. A major squad overhaul is unlikely, but freshening the attack is a priority. Nisbet's current form as a classic penalty box striker offers a different profile. Aberdeen currently sits 8th in the Premiership with three points from two games, having scored two and conceded three. They are three points behind leaders Celtic.
The striker pool Pocognoli will consider presents a mixed picture. Oli McBurnie, 30, is tipped for a return after scoring 19 goals for Hull City last season, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League. He started in Hull's 2-0 win over Manchester United to open the new campaign. His last Scotland cap was in 2021, with his most recent squad involvement in November 2023.
Other established options have questions. Lawrence Shankland's start at Rangers has reportedly been uninspiring. George Hirst has moved from Ipswich Town to Stoke City, dropping back to the Championship. Lyndon Dykes has been limited to two late substitute appearances for Millwall so far. Potential future candidates include James Wilson, Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure of Sevilla, and Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway.
Nisbet has the perfect platform to further state his case. Aberdeen's next fixture is a huge test at home to Rangers on August 30. After that, they travel to Celtic Park before a double-header against Kilmarnock. Performing against the Old Firm would make it very difficult for Pocognoli to ignore him. The Dons will be without injured players Kristers Tobers, Kusini Yengi, and Mats Knoester for this challenging run, placing more responsibility on their captain.
The club's current league position and statistics are also available on our standings and stats hubs.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Sebastien Pocognoli. The new manager has a short timeframe to evaluate players before competitive action resumes. Nisbet's prolific start, especially after overcoming past injury setbacks, provides a compelling narrative. If he continues to find the net, particularly in the high-profile matches immediately ahead, the pressure for inclusion will grow. For now, the Aberdeen skipper's focus will be on leading his team through a tough period, starting with the visit of Rangers to Pittodrie.
