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 striker Robbie Ure and Danish SuperLiga defender Luis Binks, who captains Brondby. The list also features Celtic full‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been handed their maiden call‑ups for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021 and has now been recalled after a period of criticism and a resurgence in form.
Goalkeeping duties see the reinstatement of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who step in following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the 2022 World Cup. Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix 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, also makes the cut.
The Stoke City defender has already earned three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure as The Potters secured three victories and a draw in their last four Championship games. Additional recalls include Sassuolo’s versatile full‑back Josh Doig, Torino forward Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller and Hearts attacker James Wilson. Notably absent are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor cardiac operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem. Torino’s Che Adams also misses out due to injury.
In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. The omissions list includes Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brondby captain, has a unique international background: he represented 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 transfer to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games.
Ure is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link. Josh McPake’s inclusion reflects his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts over the summer, while Stephen Welsh earned his spot after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season.
Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defense this term and replaces his teammate Anthony Ralston in the national team picture. 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 (Brondby), 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 philosophy after releasing the list: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch.
My selections are driven by that vision. I could have added many more names, but I had to make tough choices.
Some players are omitted because they don’t fit the system, others because of injuries or lack of playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players, and young talents returning to the fold.
The goal is to welcome the newcomers, preserve the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football, and start a new chapter. What has happened before is now history; we must build something new. This is an opportunity for some and a fresh start for others. Ultimately, it’s about performing on the field and maintaining the right attitude both on and off the pitch.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie Ure has been on our radar for a while, especially after his standout season in Sweden.
His move to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in attack for years, and his unconventional path—moving abroad, proving himself—deserves respect.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added, “Oli has earned this chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for the national team is evident.
After a period of self‑improvement and a return to the Premier League, he is more than ready to fight for the number nine role.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule features matches against Slovenia on 26 September (2 pm), Switzerland on 29 September (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on 3 October (7.45 pm), a return fixture with Slovenia on 6 October (7.45 pm), another clash with North Macedonia on 13 November (7.45 pm) and a final game versus Switzerland on 16 November (7.45 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more. In addition to the competitive fixtures, the Scottish FA has launched a promotional Super 6 lottery, offering a chance to win £1 million at no cost to participants.
The initiative aims to engage supporters and generate excitement around the national team’s new era under Sebastien Pocognoli.