Sebastien Pocognoli is wasting little time putting his backroom team together after landing the Scotland job, with reports suggesting his former Belgium international team-mate Kevin Mirallas is set to join him as assistant coach.

Old allies reunited at Hampden

According to the Scottish Sun, Pocognoli will hand Mirallas a key role in the new-look Scotland set-up. The pair share a strong connection from their time representing Belgium, and Pocognoli is clearly keen to surround himself with trusted faces as he begins the task of rebuilding the national side's fortunes.

Mirallas is best known in England for his years at Everton, where the winger spent the better part of a decade and became a firm favourite among the Goodison Park faithful. Quick, direct, and capable of a moment of genuine quality, he also had a loan stint at Olympiakos during his time on Merseyside. His playing career has since wound down, and a move into coaching alongside Pocognoli represents a natural next step.

Pocognoli himself only recently secured the Scotland appointment, reportedly edging out competition that, according to Sunday's Scottish gossip, included a figure associated with Manchester United. The noises out of the Scottish Football Association suggest the new management team could be confirmed imminently, with Mirallas's role expected to be formally announced once everything is signed off.

Elsewhere in Scottish football

Scotland's club game is also generating its share of headlines ahead of the transfer window closing. Hearts have moved to address their striking options by lodging a formal bid for JJ Williams, an American forward from Rhode Island, according to the Edinburgh Evening News. It remains to be seen whether the Tynecastle club can get a deal over the line before the deadline.

At Ibrox, Rangers and Celtic are set to meet again in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, though the Daily Record reports there will be no increase in the away allocation for what promises to be another fiercely contested Old Firm encounter. The decision will inevitably frustrate travelling supporters on both sides, though the authorities appear firm on the matter.

There is also an interesting postscript to Arne Engels's move from Celtic to West Ham. Nils Koppen, who previously served as Rangers' technical director and now heads up player recruitment at the London Stadium, has been speaking warmly about the midfielder's qualities, suggesting West Ham believe they have secured a player capable of making a real impact in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, St Mirren's Craig McLeish has confirmed further transfer activity is coming before the window shuts, with Roland Idowu expected to leave and Killian Phillips's future still unresolved. And Celtic's Sebastian Tounekti has been sending a pointed message to Austrian side LASK ahead of their upcoming clash, insisting the Hoops are determined to exorcise recent demons in European competition.

What it means for Scotland

The appointment of Mirallas, if confirmed, signals that Pocognoli wants energy and modern thinking in his coaching staff. Scotland face a significant rebuilding job after a difficult recent period, and getting the right people around the manager will be every bit as important as the tactical decisions made on the pitch. The market, for what it's worth, will be watching closely to see how quickly the new regime can make its mark.

Frequently asked

Who is Kevin Mirallas?
Kevin Mirallas is a former Belgian international winger who spent the majority of his club career at Everton in the Premier League, where he was known for his pace and direct play. He also had a loan spell at Olympiakos during his time at Goodison Park.
Who is the new Scotland manager?
Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed as the new Scotland men's national team manager. The Belgian coach reportedly beat off competition from other candidates, including a figure linked to Manchester United, to land the role.
When is the next Old Firm cup tie?
Rangers and Celtic are set to meet at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Reports suggest there will be no increased away allocation for the match, meaning the number of travelling supporters will remain at the standard level.