Robbie Ure, the Sevilla forward, and Luis Binks from Brøndby have been selected as part of a fresh group of five players receiving their first full senior call‑up under new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli. 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 spots for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In addition to the newcomers, the squad marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last appeared for the national side in 2021.
Goalkeeper Scott Bain and backup keeper Jon McCracken have also been recalled after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final selection. Luke Graham earns a place after impressing during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoying a breakout season with Dundee, where his defensive consistency helped the Potters secure three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches.
Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson, all of whom have been summoned to add depth to the roster. Notably absent are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams, who is also nursing an injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup have been omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural selection. Other notable omissions are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s 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 Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is a 25‑year‑old defender who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England at youth level. Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy graduate, secured a high‑profile move to La Liga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 games. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link. Josh McPake has earned his place thanks to an impressive run of form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh’s inclusion follows a successful loan spell at Motherwell from Celtic last season.
Right‑back Colby Donovan has featured in every Celtic match this campaign and replaces his teammate Anthony Ralston in the back line. Below is a full breakdown of the 27‑man squad as announced: 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 explained his selection philosophy after unveiling the list: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch.
My focus has been to pick players who fit that vision. I could have named many more names, but I had to make tough choices. Some players are left out because they don’t match the system, others because of injuries or lack of playing time.
I believe we have a good blend of experienced heads, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young talent and those returning from injury. “It’s crucial to welcome the newcomers, to blend them with the veterans, and to pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.
This is a new chapter – a new book – for us. What happened before is history; now we build something new. It’s a fresh opportunity for some and a true new beginning for others.
From there, it’s about delivering on the field and maintaining the right attitude both on and off the pitch.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden weighed in on Sky Sports News, highlighting Ure’s rise: “Robbie Ure has been on our radar ever since his standout season in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out on the final squad. His move to Sevilla proves he can perform at the highest level. Scotland has struggled for depth in that position for years, and his inclusion adds competition. “Robbie has taken an unconventional route.
He deserves respect for the bravery he showed by moving abroad, carving out his own path and focusing on his development to reach this point.” Regarding Oli McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added: “Oli deserves his chance. There’s been a lot of criticism aimed at him over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident.
He’s been patient, worked hard away from home, and now he’s back in the Premier League. He certainly merits a look to see if he can claim the number nine role for the national team.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule features matches against Slovenia (26 September, 14:00), Switzerland (29 September, 19:45), North Macedonia (3 October, 19:45), a return fixture with Slovenia (6 October, 19:45), another clash with North Macedonia (13 November, 19:45) and a final meeting with Switzerland (16 November, 19:45). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more. The announcement also includes a promotional note inviting supporters to join the “Super 6” competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available online.