Sébastien Pocognoli’s reign as Scotland manager began with a goalless draw against Slovenia after his new-look side failed to turn an encouraging attacking display into victory.
Scotland created the better chances in Ljubljana and improved significantly after half-time, but were repeatedly denied by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak as the opening game of the new manager’s Nations League campaign finished 0-0.
There was no winning start for Pocognoli, but there were signs of the changes the 39-year-old is attempting to introduce after replacing Steve Clarke following the World Cup.
The new manager made five changes from the Scotland side which started the 3-0 defeat by Brazil in June, handing senior debuts to Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure.
Oli McBurnie also returned to the Scotland team for his first international appearance in five years, while Aaron Hickey and Billy Gilmour were restored to the starting line-up.
Scotland initially had to deal with some early Slovenian pressure, with Andraz Sporar finding the net inside the opening 10 minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Pocognoli’s side gradually grew into the game and Ure almost marked his debut with a goal shortly before half-time when he cut inside and sent a low shot narrowly past Oblak’s post.
Scotland became increasingly dangerous after the break.
McBurnie was presented with an opportunity to score his first international goal when he broke through in the 51st minute, but Oblak came off his line to smother the striker’s attempt.
Ure had another effort deflected behind before Hickey glanced a Robertson corner narrowly wide as Scotland continued to push for the breakthrough.
Substitute Kieron Bowie caused Slovenia further problems after replacing Ure midway through the second half.
The Sassuolo striker twice found himself through on goal, with Oblak saving his first attempt before Bowie passed up arguably Scotland’s best opportunity of the match when he fired narrowly wide after being released by Gilmour.
Pocognoli had spoken before the match about wanting supporters to begin recognising the principles he is attempting to introduce, as well as giving younger players opportunities and establishing a new identity following the end of the Clarke era.
He has made changes to the Scotland squad. More than half of the players selected for this Nations League window were not part of the squad at the World Cup.
Scotland leave Ljubljana with their first point of the Nations League campaign. Attention now turns quickly to Hampden, where Scotland face Switzerland on Tuesday night in what will be Pocognoli’s first home game as national team manager.