Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who are receiving their first full senior caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Luis Binks, who captains Danish Superliga side Brøndby. The list also features Celtic's versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been called up for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In addition to the fresh faces, the squad includes a much‑anticipated return for Hull City forward Oli McBurnie.
McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021, has worked his way back into contention after a period of criticism and a spell in the English lower leagues. Goalkeeping duties see the reinstatement of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup campaign. Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes the cut 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, is added to the roster. The Stoke City defender, a three‑time under‑21 international, has been a constant presence as Stoke secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Serie A duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, both playing for Sassuolo, Udinese’s young talent Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, who have all earned recall. Notably absent are 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. Overall, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural list.
The omissions include 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. A closer look at the newcomers reveals interesting backgrounds. Luis Binks, at 25, captains Brøndby and has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams.
Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy product, earned 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 for Ukraine through a grandparent, adding an extra layer of international intrigue. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his strong form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer. Stephen Welsh, who impressed during a loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season, also secures a place.
Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s back line this season and replaces his teammate Ralston in the squad. The full goalkeeper roster lists Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive contingent comprises 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 include Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts).
Pocognoli addressed the press after announcing his squad, emphasizing his tactical philosophy: "The most important factor 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 omissions are due to injuries or lack of playing time, but the overarching reason is the system I intend to implement." He continued, "We have a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young talent and those returning from injury.
The goal is to integrate new blood while preserving the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football. This marks the start of a new chapter – a new book. What happened before belongs to the past; now we build something new. It’s an opportunity for some, a fresh beginning for others.
Ultimately, it will be judged on the pitch, with the right attitude both on and off the field." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: "Robbie Ure has been on our radar for his performances in Sweden, especially leading up to the World Cup, but he missed out then. His move to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has struggled to produce quality forwards for years, and his arrival adds healthy competition." McFadden also defended McBurnie’s recall: "Oli deserves his chance.
There’s been a backlash against him in recent years, but he’s passionate about wearing the Scotland shirt. He’s been patient, worked hard abroad, and now he’s back in the Premier League.
He deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role." The schedule for the Nations League sees Scotland facing Slovenia on September 26 at 2 pm, Switzerland on September 29 at 7.45 pm, North Macedonia on October 3 at 7.45 pm, a return fixture with Slovenia on October 6 at 7.45 pm, and two more matches in November against North Macedonia (13 pm) and Switzerland (16 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more. In summary, Pocognoli’s inaugural squad blends seasoned internationals with a wave of promising newcomers, reflecting a strategic shift toward a distinct playing style.
The selections, injuries, and omissions set the stage for an intriguing series of Nations League encounters that will test the manager’s vision and the players’ ability to adapt to a new era of Scottish football.