Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney has held talks with Scotland about representing the Tartan Army at international level.
Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed that he has had contact with Hackney and Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray about representing Scotland.
Hackney qualifies for Scotland via his mother, who was born in Edinburgh, and won two caps for Scotland at u-21 level before declaring for England. The 24-year-old won 13 caps for England at u-21 level and was part of the side that won the 2025 u-21 European Championship.
Amid fierce competition for places with England and a desire to widen Scotland’s talent pool, Pocognoli has held initial talks with both players. It comes after failed talks to convince Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes to switch from England.
“I have had direct or indirect contact (with Gray and Hackney). When I go to the direct contact it’s because I feel it’s a first positive approach. So yeah, I’ve done it with many players. I’ll do my best to bring them,” he said.
“With [Harvey] Barnes it was different. I knew before my first camp that he was different. The two other lads (Gray and Hackney) are young lads. It’s a long way (away).
“But if you wait too long, it might not be the right moment. In a year’s time, we will see. Right now, we have players in the squad who are performing well.”
See – Can you top the ToffeeWeb table? Join Dixie60, ToffeeWeb’s free prediction game
Read more – Jack’s back: Grealish has apologised to Everton, now it’s time to move forward