Robbie Ure, the Sevilla forward, and Luis Binks of Brøndby have been selected as part of a group of five newcomers receiving their first full‑cap call‑up under new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli. The list also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh, all of whom have earned spots for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In addition to the fresh faces, Hull City striker Oli McBurnie makes a long‑awaited return to the national side after his last appearance in 2021.
Goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken are back in the fold following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup, while Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is also reinstated after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad. Luke Graham earns a place after impressing during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and after a breakthrough season with Dundee, where he helped the club secure three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. The Stoke City defender has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level and has been a constant presence in his club’s back line. Other recalled players include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson.
Notably absent are Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor heart operation, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, who is nursing a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams, who is also sidelined with injury. Overall, twelve members of the World Cup‑bound squad are missing from Pocognoli’s first selection. Among those omitted are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dyke, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Binks, who captains Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is a 25‑year‑old who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams.
Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grandparental link. McPake’s inclusion rewards his strong performances since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer, while Welsh joins after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Donovan has featured in every Celtic match this campaign and replaces his teammate Ralston in the back line.
The full squad breakdown is as follows: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City) Defenders: 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), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts) Pocognoli explained his philosophy after unveiling the list: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch. My selections are driven by that vision. I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices.
Some players miss out because they don’t fit the system, whether due to injury or lack of playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh talent, first‑cap players and those returning after a spell away. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, retain the experienced core, and pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football. "We are starting a new chapter, turning a fresh page.
What has happened before is part of our history, but now we must build something new. It’s a new opportunity for some and a real fresh start for others.
The proof will be on the field, and the right attitude off it is just as crucial." Former Scotland striker James McFadden weighed in on Sky Sports News, praising Ure’s rise: “Robbie’s been on our radar ever since his standout season in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out last time. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has struggled to produce quality forwards for years, and his unconventional path shows real bravery and determination. He deserves respect for forging his own way and now earning this call‑up.” Regarding McBurnie, McFadden added: “Oli certainly deserves his chance.
He’s faced a lot of criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident. He’s worked hard, regained his form in the Premier League and now has the opportunity to stake claim to the number 9 role.” Scotland’s upcoming fixtures in the Nations League include matches against Slovenia (26 September, 14:00), Switzerland (29 September, 19:45), North Macedonia (3 October, 19:45), a return clash with Slovenia (6 October, 19:45), another game versus North Macedonia (13 November, 19:45) and a final encounter with Switzerland (16 November, 19:45). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more.