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Sebastien Pocognoli sold to Scotland fans as buzzing Hearts ally reveals his best qualities The Belgian is set to be appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor and one man is chuffed Wouter Vrancken reckons former team mate Sebastien Pocognoli is a good match for Scotland thanks to his aggressive football philosophy. The Belgian is set to be appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor after impressing SFA chiefs in interviews over the past month. Pocognoli, 39, led Royal Union Saint Gilloise to their first Belgian top flight title in 90 years in 2024-25 before moving on to Monaco last season. Vrancken played with the midfielder at Genk before the duo teamed up again at the Jupiler League club four years ago where Pocogmnoli was U18 coach while Vrancken was first team manager. They went head-to-head when Pocognoli took over at USG - with Vrancken the head man at Gent by that point. But while the Tynecastle boss has never coached directly with the incoming Scots boss - he knows enough about the 13-times capped former Belgium left back to say he’s a good match for the Hampden role. Asked if Scotland fans should be excited, Vrancken said: “Let's hope. Let's hope. “I didn't work with him - but his style of play can work I think. “His style of play is also pretty physical, direct. So I think it’s a good match. “But I think there are other people to decide on these things. I know him just as a good guy. “I know him pretty well because I played with him for two years. He was a young player at that moment. “And he was under-18 coach when I was in Genk as first team coach. So I know him a bit. “I know his style of play because we played each other of when he was in Union. And he did really well there. And let's hope he can work with the national team.” Pocognoli will become the first foreign boss since Berti Vogts 22 years ago to manage Scotland. And Vrancken added: “It's always good for Belgian coaches. When coaches get an opportunity to have a nice job outside Belgium. So let's hope when he would become the national coach that he does well.”