Scotland's Swiss setback raises goalkeeping and defensive doubts as Celtic stay silent on O'Neill future
Scotland's defeat to Switzerland has left head coach Sebastian Pocognoli with plenty of questions to answer, and the latest episode of BBC Radio Scotland's Scottish Football Podcast has put the national team's problems under the microscope.
Andy Burke, Mark Atkinson and former goalkeeper Cammy Bell assessed the challenges facing Scotland ahead of crucial matches against North Macedonia and beyond, examining whether Angus Gunn was unfairly criticised, whether defensive issues are becoming a bigger concern, and where the goals will come from after a blunt attacking showing.
Is Gunn being treated fairly?
The goalkeeping debate dominated the opening segment of the 28-minute episode, with the panel asking whether the criticism directed at Angus Gunn in the wake of the Switzerland defeat was justified. With Gunn under scrutiny, the discussion weighed up how much blame the goalkeeper should shoulder and what it means for the depth of options in the position.
Defensive worries mounting under Pocognoli
Beyond the goalkeeper, the panel flagged growing concern about Scotland's defensive issues under Pocognoli, questioning whether the problems at the back are becoming a more structural worry for the national side as qualifying commitments loom.
Where will the goals come from?
Attack was also on the agenda, with the podcast asking where Scotland's goals will come from and whether the goals can start flowing again after the defeat to the Swiss. Finding a reliable source of scoring was framed as essential before the crucial fixture against North Macedonia.
Celtic's continued silence over O'Neill
The episode also turned its attention to club football, examining the continued silence from Celtic over Martin O'Neill's future. The panel asked whether the international break has given everyone at Celtic Park the chance to reset amid the uncertainty surrounding the club's direction.
Premiership overachievers, underachievers and standout players
Rounding off the show, Burke, Atkinson and Bell assessed who are the Premiership's biggest overachievers and underachievers so far this season, highlighted the players who have made the strongest starts to the campaign, and discussed some dressing-room intrigue around the league.
The episode, broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on 1 October 2026 and available on BBC Sounds for 29 days, covered the following chapters:
- 00:02:00 — Scotland's goalkeeping debate
- 00:06:37 — Defensive concerns under Pocognoli
- 00:10:33 — Where will Scotland's goals come from?
- 00:14:21 — Celtic's silence over Martin O'Neill
- 00:20:46 — Premiership overachievers and underachievers
- 00:23:29 — Standout players and dressing-room intrigue