Why Barney Stewart could profit as ex-West Brom figure frontrunner for Scotland job
Barney Stewart may be in line to work with a former West Brom fan favourite.
The 22-year-old was signed from Falkirk in an £1.3million deal earlier this summer.
He has four caps for Scotland's Under-21 side and will hope that the move to The Hawthorns can earn him a promotion.
His first priority will be to beat Jimmy-Jay Morgan to a starting spot and start scoring regularly for Albion.
That is vital if he is to get into the national team squad, as if he is not playing and contributing then he has no chance.
He will hoping to get a senior Scotland call-up in the near future, and may link up with a former Baggie if that happens.
Who is ex-West Brom man that is primed to take over Scotland job?
Sebastien Pocognoli hung up his boots in April 2021, and has gone on to form a solid managerial career.
He has had spells in charge of Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco, after his playing career, which included 21 games for the Throstles.
He won the Belgian Super Cup and the Belgian Pro League in the 2024-25 campaign, showing the potential that he has in the dugout.
He is now the frontrunner for the Scotland job, according to a report from The Herald on Saturday.
He would be in line to replace former Albion boss Steve Clarke, who resigned after the Tartan Army's miserable World Cup campaign.
Why Stewart could be set to profit
Pocognoli's links to the Black Country would surely have him looking in their direction to potential talent for his squad, if he decides to add fresh impetus.
Stewart is the most prominent potential Scottish international in the Championship side, with goalkeeper Matt Ingram unlikely to be a contender given the fact that he is 32 years old.
If Stewart can start bagging goals often in the West Midlands, he may put the 39-year-old coach on notice and earn a spot in the national team fold.
Given the current options of Lawrence Shankland, Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst and Ross Stewart did not do much at the tournament, he may fancy some fresh names.
The new Baggies man could profit, if Pocognoli is ultimately appointed, which looks as though it is set to happen.