Five New Faces Named in Pocognoli's Inaugural Scotland Squad

Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring five players receiving their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, who join a group that also includes Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The list also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not represented Scotland since 2021.

Goalkeeper Scott Bain and backup keeper Jon McCracken are back in the fold after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli’s Billy Gilmour re‑joins the squad 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 breakthrough season with Stoke City. The Stoke defender, who has already earned three caps at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure as the Potters secured three victories and a draw in their last four Championship outings.

Also recalled are Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Hearts attacker James Wilson. Notably absent is Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor cardiac operation, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland misses out with a hamstring problem and Torino forward Che Adams is sidelined by injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s maiden roster.

Among those left out are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish Superliga side Brøndby, has previously turned out for Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile move to La Liga club Sevilla after an eye‑catching spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link.

Josh McPake has earned his call‑up thanks to a strong start at Hearts after leaving St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has featured in every Celtic game this campaign and 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 addressed the media after unveiling his selections, emphasizing his tactical priorities: "The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch. My selections have been made with that philosophy in mind.

I could have named many more players, but I had to make difficult choices based on the system we intend to implement, as well as considerations of injury and recent playing time." He continued, "We have a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players and young talent returning to the fold. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the veterans, and pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football. This is the start of a new chapter – the past is behind us, and we now have the opportunity to build something new." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: "Robbie has been on our radar since his impressive spell in Sweden before the World Cup, and his move to Sevilla proves he can perform at a high level. He’s taken an unconventional path, but his bravery and determination deserve respect." Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added, "Oli has earned this chance.

There’s been criticism of him over recent years, but his passion for Scotland is evident. He’s worked hard, regained form in the Premier League, and now deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role for the national side." Scotland’s upcoming fixtures in the Nations League are set for September and October, with matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.

Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights and in‑depth analysis as the new era under Sebastien Pocognoli begins.