Sebastien Pocognoli’s first selection as Scotland’s head coach features a blend of seasoned internationals and five newcomers earning their first full‑cap call‑ups. Among the debutants are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby centre‑back Luis Binks, who join Celtic defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021. Goalkeeper duties are shared between incumbent Scott Bain and Jon McCracken after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup.
Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour is back after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad, while Luke Graham earns a place after a breakthrough season with Dundee that secured him a spot in Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May. Graham, a Stoke City defender who has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure as The Potters recorded three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Hearts attacker James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the back line and attack.
Notably absent is Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams also misses out due to injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster.
Other notable exclusions are 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 forward George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is an interesting case. 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 transfer to La Liga club Sevilla after an eye‑catching spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he netted 20 goals in as many games. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link. Josh McPake has earned his place thanks to impressive displays since moving to Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh earned his call‑up after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season.
Right‑back Colby Donovan has featured in every Celtic match this campaign and replaces his club‑mate Anthony Ralston in the national side. The full goalkeeper roster lists 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). Midfield selections feature 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 that his primary concern is the style of play he wants to implement. "The most important thing for me is the style of football we will produce on the pitch," he said. "My selections have been guided by that principle.
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." He added, "We have a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young talents and those returning to the fold. The goal is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the veterans, and pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.
This is the start of a new chapter – a new book. What happened before is part of our history, but now we must build something new." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking on Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion.
"Robbie Ure has been on our radar for his form in Sweden, especially leading up to the World Cup, but he missed out then. His move to Sevilla shows he can perform at the highest level. Scotland has struggled for competition in that position for years, and Robbie’s unconventional path – moving abroad, forging his own career – deserves respect." Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden noted, "Oli deserves his chance. There’s been some backlash against him in recent years, but his passion for Scotland is evident.
He’s been patient, worked hard away from home, and now, back in the Premier League, he’s ready to fight for the number nine role." The upcoming fixtures for Pocognoli’s side include a September 26 clash with Slovenia (kick‑off 2 pm), followed by matches against Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm), a return fixture with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), another encounter with North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and a final showdown with 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. Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to all participants.