Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who will earn their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, who join a group that also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The announcement also marked the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021.
Goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken have been recalled after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup campaign. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the squad after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final selection.
Luke Graham earned a place after impressing during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and after a breakout season with Dundee. The Stoke City defender, who has already been capped three times at under‑21 level, has featured every minute as Stoke secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch. Notably absent are several players who featured at the World Cup.
Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from a minor heart operation, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams remains injured. In total, twelve World Cup veterans are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural list. 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, who captains Danish Superliga side Brøndby, is a versatile defender capable of playing across the back line. Although he has represented Scotland at under‑18 level, he previously featured for England’s youth teams before committing to the Scottish senior side.
Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile move to La Liga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, adding an interesting dimension to his international future. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his strong form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer. Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan spell at Motherwell from Celtic last season, while Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence this campaign, taking the place of his teammate Anthony Ralston.
The full goalkeeper roster includes Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders named are 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). The midfield contingent features 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 squad was revealed, Pocognoli emphasized his tactical philosophy: “The most important thing for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch.
My selections have been driven by that vision. 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, others because of injury or lack of playing time.” He added, “We have a good mix of experienced heads, fresh faces, first‑cap players and youngsters returning to the fold.
The aim is to pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football while starting a new chapter. The past is behind us; now we build something new. It’s a fresh opportunity for many, and we must show the right attitude both on and off the field.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s progress: “Robbie has been on our radar for his form in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has lacked competition up front for years, and Robbie’s unconventional path – moving abroad, forging his own career – deserves respect.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden said, “Oli deserves this chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scottish shirt is evident. He’s worked hard, returned to the Premier League, and now deserves a look to claim the number nine role.” The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland facing Slovenia on 26 September at 14:00, Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia on 3 October at 19:45, a return clash with Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, another meeting with North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and finally Switzerland on 16 November at 19:45. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to participants.