Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, and it features a blend of seasoned internationals and five players earning their first full caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, who join a group that also includes Celtic full‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh.
All five have been handed their maiden senior call‑ups for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, signalling Pocognoli’s intent to inject fresh talent into a side that missed the World Cup. The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City’s Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021.
McBurnie’s recall follows a prolific spell back in the English Championship and a recent move to the Premier League, and his inclusion has been welcomed by former international James McFadden, who praised the striker’s perseverance and determination. In goal, veteran Scott Bain and promising youngster Jon McCracken have been reinstated after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup campaign. Midfield sees the return of Napoli’s Billy Gilmour, who missed the previous squad due to a knee injury that forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final selection.
Gilmour’s recovery has been closely monitored, and his presence adds creativity and composure to the middle of the park. Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May, also makes the list.
Graham has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee and has earned three caps at under‑21 level, playing every minute as The Potters secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Additional recall candidates include Sassuolo’s Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. However, several notable absentees will miss the first Pocognoli‑era matches.
Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers’ prolific striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury. Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable due to fitness concerns. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup have been omitted from the new manager’s inaugural roster. Other omissions comprise 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’s George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart.
Their exclusion underscores Pocognoli’s emphasis on a particular style of play rather than simply rewarding past experience. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish Superliga side Brøndby, brings a unique background to the squad. He has represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams, and his versatility across the back line makes him a valuable asset.
Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy product, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 matches. Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, adding an intriguing dual‑national element to his profile. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer.
His pace and directness on the wing have been instrumental in Hearts’ attacking play. Stephen Welsh, who earned his call‑up after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, adds depth to the midfield with his work rate and passing range. Right‑back Colby Donovan, a regular starter for Celtic this season, replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston, reflecting Pocognoli’s desire to balance familiarity with fresh perspectives. The full squad list 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 releasing the list, emphasizing his priority on the team’s playing philosophy.
He said, “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 difficult choices based on how they fit into the system, their fitness and recent playing time.” He added that the squad offers “a good mix of experienced heads, new faces, first‑cap players and returning veterans,” and stressed the need to pass on Scotland’s footballing DNA, heritage and culture to the younger cohort. Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports, highlighted Ure’s rise: “Robbie Ure has been on the radar for a while, especially after his spectacular season in Sweden.
His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level. He’s taken an unconventional path, but his bravery and self‑belief deserve respect.” Regarding McBurnie, McFadden noted, “Oli has worked hard to earn this chance. After a period of criticism, his perseverance and recent Premier League performances show he can be a genuine number‑nine for Scotland.” The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland face Slovenia on 26 September at 14:00, Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia on 3 October at 19:45, a return fixture with Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, another clash with North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and finally Switzerland again on 16 November at 19:45. These matches will provide Pocognoli with his first real test, as he seeks to blend the fresh talent with the seasoned core and forge a new identity for Scottish football.