Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and it features a blend of fresh talent and seasoned campaigners. Among the newcomers earning their first full international caps are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have impressed at club level and now receive the nod from the new boss. Joining Ure and Binks are Celtic’s young centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh. Each of these players has demonstrated consistent form over the past season, and Pocognoli believes they possess the qualities required to execute his preferred style of play.
The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021. McBurnie’s recall reflects his resurgence in the English Championship, where he has rediscovered his goal‑scoring instincts after a period of injury and limited playing time. Between the posts, veteran keepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken have been reinstated following the retirement of long‑time stalwart Craig Gordon after the World Cup.
Their experience and composure will be vital as Scotland look to solidify their defensive foundation. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes a comeback after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad. Gilmour’s technical ability and vision have been missed, and his inclusion signals Pocognoli’s intent to blend creativity with defensive solidity. Luke Graham, who earned a place in Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May after a breakout season with Dundee, has been added to the list.
The Stoke City defender, who has already collected three caps at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure for his club, contributing to three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s promising youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. Their performances in Italy’s Serie A and the Scottish Premiership have not gone unnoticed, and they now have the chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
However, not everyone will be in contention. Napoli’s midfield engine Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams also remains injured, reducing the pool of attacking options.
Overall, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s first roster. Among those left out are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic midfielder Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst, and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old defender, captains Brøndby in Denmark’s SuperLiga. Although he has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level, he later appeared for England’s youth teams before committing to the Scottish senior side.
Robbie Ure’s journey is equally compelling. After a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius—where he scored 20 goals in 20 games—the former Rangers academy product secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga side Sevilla. At 22, Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, but he has chosen to pursue his international career with Scotland.
Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts this summer. His pace and directness on the wing have added a new dimension to the Edinburgh club’s attack. Stephen Welsh, meanwhile, arrives after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic, where he displayed maturity beyond his years. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s back line this season, and his selection replaces teammate Anthony Ralston, offering Pocognoli a slightly different profile at full‑back.
The full list of goalkeepers features Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders include 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 comprises 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). After announcing the squad, Pocognoli explained his philosophy: “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 added many more names, but I had to make difficult choices based on how each player fits the system, their fitness and recent playing time. I aim for a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players and those returning from injury.
The goal is to pass on the national team’s DNA, heritage and culture while starting a new chapter. This is a fresh opportunity for many, and the right attitude both on and off the field will be crucial.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s rise: “Robbie has been on the radar since his standout season in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then. Securing a move to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his unconventional path—moving abroad early—deserves respect.
He’s shown bravery and dedication to develop his game.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added: “Oli deserves this chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt has never wavered.
After a period of patience and hard work, he’s back in the Premier League and ready to fight for the number nine role.” Scotland’s upcoming fixtures in the Nations League are set for September and October, with matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia. The new squad will have the chance to test Pocognoli’s ideas on the international stage, aiming to blend youthful exuberance with seasoned composure as they strive for competitive results. Fans can stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more. Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for participants.