Five New Faces Named in Pocognoli's Inaugural Scotland Squad

Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who will receive their senior caps for the first time. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have earned their maiden full‑international call‑ups under the Belgian coach. The squad also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, rounding out the trio of fresh faces that will accompany the experienced core in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

In addition to these debutants, the list includes a highly anticipated recall: Hull City’s target man Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021 and is eager to re‑establish himself on the international stage. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by returning stalwarts Scott Bain and Jon McCracken after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup.

Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour also returns after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad, while Luke Graham earns a spot following a breakthrough season with Stoke City and a stint in the pre‑World Cup training camp earlier in May. Graham, a 25‑year‑old defender who has already earned three caps at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure for the Potters, helping Stoke secure three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings.

The squad further incorporates Sassolo’s versatile full‑back Josh Doig and striker Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s creative midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch. However, not everyone is fit to travel. Napoli’s midfield engine Scott McTominay is sidelined as he recovers from a minor heart operation, while Rangers’ prolific striker Lawrence Shankland misses out due to a hamstring problem.

Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable through injury. In total, twelve members of the World Cup‑winning squad are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. Among those left out 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’s forward George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Their absence reflects the new manager’s emphasis on a specific style of play rather than simply rewarding past service.

Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, brings a unique international background. He previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams, making his senior debut for Scotland a notable reversal. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla after an outstanding spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he tallied an impressive 20 goals in as many games.

Ure is also eligible for Ukraine through a grandparent, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his international future. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his rapid rise since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts earlier this summer, while Stephen Welsh earns his place after a successful loan 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.

The full squad breakdown 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 explained his selection philosophy after the announcement: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch. My choices are driven by that vision.

I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough decisions based on how each individual fits into our tactical framework, their fitness and recent playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners, fresh talent, first‑cap players, and those returning from injury. The goal is to blend our heritage with a new DNA, to start a fresh chapter for Scottish football.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s rise: “Robbie has been on our radar since his prolific spell in Sweden, and his move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.

His unconventional path shows great courage, and he certainly deserves recognition for carving out his own career abroad.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added, “Oli has endured a lot of criticism over the years, but his passion for the national team is undeniable. He’s worked hard, regained his form in the Premier League, and now deserves a chance to claim the number nine shirt for Scotland.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule under Pocognoli includes fixtures against Slovenia (26 September, 14:00), Switzerland (29 September, 19:45), North Macedonia (3 October, 19:45), a return clash with Slovenia (6 October, 19:45), another match versus North Macedonia (13 November, 19:45) and a final showdown with Switzerland (16 November, 19:45). Fans are encouraged to follow updates via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis.

In summary, Pocognoli’s first squad marks a clear shift toward a more dynamic, style‑oriented approach, blending proven veterans with a wave of promising newcomers eager to make their mark on the international stage. The upcoming matches will serve as a testing ground for this new philosophy, offering both players and supporters a glimpse of what could become a revitalised era for Scottish football.