Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first squad, introducing five players who are earning their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Luis Binks, the captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby.
The list also features Celtic defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been summoned for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. In addition to the fresh talent, the squad sees the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021.
Goalkeeping duties are shared by the experienced Scott Bain and the young Jon McCracken, who step back into the fold after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes his comeback 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, earns a place in the 26‑man roster.
The Stoke City defender has already accumulated three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure as his club secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Other notable inclusions are Serie A players Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie of Sassuolo, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth to the attacking options.
However, some key names are absent: Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams is nursing an injury. Overall, twelve members of the World Cup‑qualified group are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural selection.
Among those omitted 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’s Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brøndby defender, captains his Danish club and has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams. Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy graduate, secured a high‑profile move to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances.
Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link. Josh McPake’s inclusion reflects his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh earns his spot after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan, a regular starter for Celtic this campaign, replaces his teammate Anthony Ralston in the back line.
Below is the full roster as announced by Pocognoli: **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 addressed the media after releasing the list, emphasizing his vision for the team’s playing style. He said, “The most important factor 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 based on how they fit into the system, injury status, and recent playing time.” He added, “We have a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, and youngsters returning from injury.
The goal is to blend the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football while starting a new chapter.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion, noting his standout performances in Sweden and his move to Sevilla as evidence of his quality. McFadden highlighted that Ure’s unconventional career path—venturing abroad at a young age—demonstrates bravery and determination, qualities that deserve respect.
Regarding Oli McBurnie’s recall, McFadden commented, “Oli has earned this chance. He’s faced 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 deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role for the national side.” 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 fixture with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), another clash 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, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and more.
In summary, Pocognoli’s first squad blends experience with youthful exuberance, aiming to forge a cohesive unit that can compete at the highest level while honouring Scotland’s footballing traditions. The selections signal a fresh start, a new narrative, and an opportunity for several players to make their mark on the international stage.