Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who will receive their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have earned a place in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The list also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, each making their debut at senior level under the Belgian coach.
Their inclusion reflects Pocognoli's desire to blend youthful vigor with experienced heads as he seeks to reshape the team's playing style. A notable return is Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not represented Scotland since 2021. After a prolonged absence, the forward has been recalled to add firepower to the attack.
In goal, veteran Scott Bain and promising youngster Jon McCracken have been called up following the retirement of long‑time keeper Craig Gordon after the World Cup. Midfield dynamo Billy Gilmour, currently with Napoli, is also back 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, has earned a place as well. The Stoke City defender, a three‑time under‑21 international, has been a stalwart for his club, featuring every minute as the Potters secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches.
Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. Their performances in Serie A, the Italian top flight, and the Scottish Premiership have convinced the new manager that they can contribute at the international level.
However, not everyone is available. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined as he recovers from a minor heart operation, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams also remains injured.
In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup have been 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 midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall's Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, who captains Brondby in the Danish SuperLiga, is a versatile defender who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England at youth level. Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy product, secured a high‑profile move to LaLiga 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. Josh McPake has earned his call‑up thanks to strong form since his summer transfer from St Johnstone to Hearts, while Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a regular feature in Celtic's line‑up this campaign and replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national squad. The full goalkeeper roster consists of Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City).
Defenders called up are Luis Binks (Brondby), 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 includes 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 his commitment to a specific style of play: "The most important thing for me is the style of football I want to see on the pitch. My selections have been guided by that principle. I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices.
Some players were left out because they do not fit the system, whether due to injury or lack of playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of experienced heads, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young talent and those returning to the fold. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, preserve the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football, and start a new chapter. The past is behind us; now we build something new.
This is a fresh opportunity for some and a new beginning for others. The ultimate test will be on the field, with the right attitude both on and off the pitch." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure's progress: "Robbie Ure has been on our radar for his impressive form in Sweden leading up to the World Cup, even though he missed that tournament.
His move to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has struggled for depth in attack for years, and his inclusion adds healthy competition. Robbie has taken an unconventional route, but his bravery in moving abroad and developing his game deserves respect." Regarding McBurnie's recall, McFadden added: "Oli deserves this chance.
There has been some backlash against him over the past few years, but his passion for Scotland is evident. He's been patient, worked hard away from home, and now he's back in the Premier League. Oli can be a genuine number nine for us if he gets the minutes." 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), Slovenia again on October 6 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and Switzerland on November 16 (7.45 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more.