Bowie Seizes Scotland Opportunity After World Cup Snub With First International Goal

Posted : 05 October 2026

Kieron Bowie is making the most of his opportunity with Scotland after missing out on the World Cup squad earlier this year. The 24-year-old scored his first international goal as Scotland defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje on Saturday.

Bowie was overlooked by former manager Steve Clarke despite scoring for Hellas Verona during their difficult Serie A campaign. Scotland struggled for goals at the World Cup, scoring only once as they exited the tournament, but Bowie now has a fresh opportunity under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.

The forward opened the scoring after only seven minutes. He collected the ball outside the box before producing a powerful finish into the bottom corner to give Scotland their first goal in more than 420 minutes of international football.

Bowie had an impressive overall performance in Skopje. He recorded seven shots, four attempts on target, five shots inside the box and 11 touches in the opposition penalty area.

The goal came after a frustrating start to his first international appearance under Pocognoli. Bowie had started against Switzerland earlier in the international break, but his game lasted only 13 minutes after Jack Hendry was sent off and Scotland were forced to reorganise.

Against North Macedonia, Bowie started alongside Oli McBurnie in Pocognoli's new 3-4-1-2 formation. The system allowed him to use his pace and strength to run behind defenders and create more opportunities in advanced areas.

"I think the style that he wants to play definitely plays into my strengths," Bowie said after the match. He added that Pocognoli had told him he did not need to prove himself and should simply show what he could do.

Pocognoli was pleased with Bowie's contribution and believes the striker can become an important part of his plans. The Belgian also praised Scotland's overall performance, although he felt his side should have scored more goals.

John McGinn doubled Scotland's advantage from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. The Aston Villa midfielder scored his 27th international goal after VAR awarded a penalty when Bojan Miovski was judged to have handled Bowie's rebound.

The victory was Pocognoli's first as Scotland manager. Andy Robertson also marked his 100th international appearance with the win, becoming only the second player to reach the milestone for Scotland.

Scotland moved onto four points in Nations League Group B1, level with Slovenia and four points behind leaders Switzerland. They face Slovenia at Hampden Park on Tuesday as Pocognoli looks to build further momentum.

Bowie Seizes Scotland Opportunity After World Cup Snub With First International Goal

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