Luke Graham is targeting a regular role with Scotland after quickly adapting to life at Stoke City and their new tactical system. The centre-half has been called up by new national team boss Sebastien Pocognoli for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, a reward for his solid start to the Championship season.

Graham watched Scotland's recent World Cup campaign from home, having been on standby for the squad. He said he followed every game. "To be fair I watched every World Cup game no matter what time it was at," Graham said. "I was around at my mate’s watching the game having a good time as most people in the nation would have been." He was philosophical about missing out, adding, "I wouldn’t say I could have been there or should have been there because the boys who were there thoroughly deserved it and have been great servants to Scotland."

Now, with Euro 2028 set to be hosted across Britain and Ireland, the defender is desperate to be part of Scotland's next major tournament push. His immediate focus is on Nations League games against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia over the next three weeks.

Adapting to the Potteries

Graham's call-up comes after he settled into Stoke's side, which currently sits seventh in the Championship with 13 points from eight games. The team's recent form has been strong, with four wins and a draw from their last five outings, a run that includes comeback victories over Sheffield United and Watford.

The defender has had to adapt to the Championship's relentless schedule and a tactical shift implemented by the coaching staff. Stoke have moved from a flat back four to a system utilising wing-backs, a change Graham says suits the squad. He has previous experience in a back three from his time at Dundee, which has helped the transition. Graham also noted the physical challenge, describing Championship forwards as 'absolutely massive'. His adaptation is reflected in his work rate, with the defender averaging 78 goal minutes per appearance for Stoke this season.

Stoke's resilience has been a feature, bouncing back quickly from heavy defeats to Wolves and Southampton earlier in the campaign to put together their current unbeaten streak. The team has scored 13 goals while conceding 12, showing they can both attack and dig in when needed. Key contributors like Ethan Galbraith, the club's top scorer with three goals, are detailed on the stats page.

What comes next

With international duty ahead, Graham will join up with Scotland before returning to club action. Upon his return from national team duty, Stoke City's next fixture is a Championship match away at Preston North End on October 19. The defender's ambition is clear: to establish himself as a key figure for both his club and country in the seasons ahead, with the ultimate goal of reaching a World Cup with Scotland.

The original report is at The Sentinel