Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, 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 Danish SuperLiga defender Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby. Their inclusion signals a shift toward a more dynamic, possession‑based style that Pocognoli has promised to instill.
In addition to Ure and Binks, Celtic’s versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh have all been handed their maiden senior call‑ups. The trio joins a group of players who will contest the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, offering Pocognoli a broader pool from which to craft his tactical identity.
One of the most talked‑about selections is the return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie. The forward, who last represented Scotland in 2021, has been recalled after a period of criticism and disappointment from fans. His resurgence in the Premier League, combined with a renewed determination, convinced the coaching staff that he deserves another chance to lead the line for the national side. Goalkeeping duties will be shared between experienced Scot Scott Bain and promising youngster Jon McCracken, both of whom are back in the fold after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup.
Their presence provides a mix of reliability and fresh energy between the posts. 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 composure on the ball make him a valuable asset in Pocognoli’s envisioned midfield framework.
Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May, has earned a spot thanks to a breakthrough season with Dundee. Graham has been a mainstay for the Potters, featuring in every minute of their recent run of three wins and a draw in the Championship, demonstrating both consistency and resilience. Other notable inclusions are Sassuolo’s versatile full‑backs Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s promising midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson.
All three have shown the ability to adapt to different tactical demands, an attribute that will be crucial as Scotland seeks to modernise its approach. However, the squad also suffers from several absences. Napoli’s midfield engine Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from a minor heart operation, and Rangers’ prolific striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury. Torino’s Che Adams is likewise unavailable due to fitness concerns.
In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s first list, underscoring the transitional nature of this selection. Among the omitted names are Rangers’ John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United’s Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke’s George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Their exclusion reflects the manager’s emphasis on a specific playing philosophy rather than simply rewarding past appearances. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brøndby captain, brings a unique background to the squad.
Although he has represented Scotland at the under‑18 level, he later featured for England’s youth sides before committing to the senior Scottish team. His experience leading a Danish top‑flight side adds a layer of leadership and defensive solidity. Robbie Ure’s journey is equally compelling.
After a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius—where he scored 20 goals in 20 matches—he secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible to represent Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, but his commitment to Scotland appears firm, and his move to Spain highlights his ambition to test himself at the highest levels of European football. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts during the summer. His pace and creativity on the wing have made him a key figure in Hearts’ attacking set‑up.
Similarly, Stephen Welsh earned his place after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic, where his midfield work rate and passing range caught the eye of the national selectors. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been an ever‑present figure for Celtic this season, featuring in every league match and displaying a blend of defensive discipline and forward thrust. He replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston, who was left out despite a solid campaign.
The full squad list, as announced, is as follows: 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, speaking after the announcement, emphasized that his primary concern is the style of play he wishes to develop on the pitch. He explained, "My focus is to select the players that fit the system I want to implement. I could have named many more, but I had to make tough choices based on the style, injury status, and recent playing time.
The aim is to blend experienced heads with fresh faces, to pass on the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football while starting a new chapter." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, appearing on Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s rise, noting that his move to Sevilla demonstrates his capacity to perform at a top level. McFadden highlighted Ure’s unconventional path and the bravery required to leave home and forge a career abroad, adding that such determination deserves respect. Regarding Oli McBurnie’s recall, McFadden observed, "Oli has endured criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt has never wavered. He’s worked hard, regained form in the Premier League, and now deserves a chance to prove he can be the number nine we need." The squad will face a demanding international calendar, beginning with a Nations League clash against Slovenia on September 26 at 2 pm, followed by matches against Switzerland (September 29, 7.45 pm), North Macedonia (October 3, 7.45 pm), and a return fixture with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm).
The autumn schedule concludes with further fixtures against North Macedonia (November 13, 7.45 pm) and Switzerland (November 16, 7.45 pm). These games will provide Pocognoli with the opportunity to test his ideas, integrate the newcomers, and lay the groundwork for future qualification campaigns. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for up‑to‑date news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive features as the Scottish team embarks on this new era under Pocognoli’s leadership.