Blackburn midfielder Montgomery earns first Scotland call-up
Kristi Montgomery has been added to Scotland's Nations League squad after Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean withdrew. The 22-year-old has started all eight Championship matches for Blackburn this season. He is one of several uncapped players selected by new coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
Montgomery's rise has been steady rather than sudden. He joined Blackburn's academy at age nine and progressed through Scotland's youth ranks at under-18, under-20, and under-21 levels before making his Under-21 debut last year. His breakthrough campaign came last season, when Blackburn narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 20th in the Championship.
The midfielder has been an ever-present for Blackburn this term, featuring in all ten matches across all competitions. Manager Tony Mowbray has highlighted his ability to win duels in central midfield. His promotion comes amid a significant squad overhaul by new coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who has selected eight uncapped players and recalled several others, including Billy Gilmour, who missed the World Cup through injury.
This call-up could signal a generational shift in Scottish football, with Pocognoli clearly willing to blood young talent while established names age or become unavailable. For Montgomery, it represents a career milestone that may raise his profile and transfer value. For Scotland supporters, it offers cautious optimism about squad depth, though the absence of experienced players like Tierney and McLean could leave the team vulnerable in competitive Nations League fixtures. The outcome may influence how quickly other young Championship-based players are considered for future international duty.