Five New Faces Named in Pocognoli's Inaugural Scotland Squad

Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring a blend of seasoned internationals and a handful of newcomers making their debut at senior level. Among the five players earning their first full Scotland caps are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Danish SuperLiga defender Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby.

The other three debutants are Celtic full‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been called up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021 and has now been recalled after a productive spell in the English Championship.

Goalkeeping duties see the reinstatement of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup campaign. Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad.

Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee, earns a place as well. The Stoke City defender has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure as The Potters secured three victories and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson. However, a few notable absences are also evident: Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams is nursing an injury.

In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. Further omissions comprise Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United’s Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke’s George Hirst, and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brøndby captain, has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile move to La Liga side Sevilla after an outstanding spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games.

The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through his grandparents. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season.

Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a regular starter for Celtic this term and replaces his club‑mate Anthony Ralston in the national setup. The full list of goalkeepers named in the squad includes Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders are Luis Binks (Brøndby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Kieran Tierney (Celtic) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).

The midfield contingent features Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts) and Lennon Miller (Udinese). Up front, the forwards are Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized that his primary concern was the style of play he wishes to implement.

“The most important thing for me is the type of football we want to produce on the pitch,” he said. “My selections have been guided by that principle.

I could have added many more names, but I had to make choices based on the system we plan to use, as well as considerations of injury and recent playing time.” He added that the squad offers a healthy mix of experience, fresh talent and players returning from injury, noting that “the new faces will bring energy, while the veterans will pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.” Pocognoli described his appointment as the start of a new chapter: “I am beginning a new journey, opening a new book. What has happened before is part of the past; now we have to build something new.” He stressed that the upcoming matches are an opportunity for the newcomers to prove themselves and for the entire group to demonstrate the right attitude both on and off the field. Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Robbie Ure’s progress. “Ure has been on our radar for his form in Sweden, especially leading up to the World Cup, but he missed out on the final squad,” McFadden explained.

“His move to Sevilla shows he has the quality to compete at the highest level. It’s an area Scotland has struggled with for years, and his inclusion adds healthy competition.” He highlighted Ure’s unconventional path, saying, “He’s taken a brave step moving abroad, forging his own career, and he deserves respect for that.” Regarding Oli McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added, “Oli deserves this chance.

There’s been some backlash against him in recent years, but he’s always been passionate about wearing the Scotland shirt. He’s been patient, worked hard, and now he’s back in the Premier League. He’s definitely worth a look to see if he can make the number nine role his own.” The Nations League schedule for Scotland includes fixtures against Slovenia on September 26 (2 pm), Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm), a return clash with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), another game versus North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and a final encounter with Switzerland on November 16 (7.45 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, analysis and more.