Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who are earning their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Danish SuperLiga defender Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby. The list also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been handed their maiden call‑ups for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last appeared for Scotland in 2021. Goalkeeper Scott Bain and Bradford City’s Jon McCracken have been recalled after veteran keeper Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the fold 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 after a breakthrough season with Dundee, has earned a place as well. The Stoke City defender has already earned 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 matches. Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson.
Notably absent are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor cardiac operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams is also out injured. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup have been omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. Among those left out are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart.
Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brøndby captain, has an unusual international background: he 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 a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible to represent Ukraine through a grand‑parental link.
Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer. Stephen Welsh earns his spot after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence this campaign and replaces his club‑mate Anthony Ralston in the national squad.
The full list of goalkeepers named by Pocognoli 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).
Pocognoli addressed the media after unveiling his squad, emphasizing his philosophy: “The most important thing for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch. My selections have been driven by that vision. I could have added many more names, 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 experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young talent and returning veterans. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, retain the seasoned core, and pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.
This is the start of a new chapter; the past is behind us, and we now have to build something new. It’s a fresh opportunity for some and a true new beginning for others.
From here, it’s about delivering on the field and maintaining the right attitude both on and off the pitch.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie Ure has been on our radar for a while, especially after his standout performances in Sweden before the World Cup, even though he missed the final squad. His move to Sevilla proves he has the quality to compete at the highest level. Scotland has struggled to generate competition in the forward line for years, and Robbie’s unconventional path shows his bravery and determination.
He deserves respect for forging his own career abroad and focusing on his development.” Regarding Oli McBurnie’s recall, 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 has never wavered. He’s been patient, worked hard, and now, back in the Premier League, he has the chance to stake claim to the number 9 role.” The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland facing 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 meeting with North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and finally Switzerland again on November 16 (7.45 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, analysis and more.
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