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 26‑man roster for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and it features a notable influx of fresh talent. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Danish SuperLiga defender Luis Binks, who both earn their maiden full caps under the new coach.

The list also includes Celtic's versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, each of whom has been handed a first‑team call‑up for the first time. The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021.

After a three‑year international hiatus, McBurnie’s form in the English Championship earned him a place back in the senior side, providing a familiar goal‑scoring option for Pocognoli. Goalkeeping duties are shared between experienced Scot Scott Bain and promising youngster Jon McCracken, who step in following Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup. Napoli’s midfield prodigy Billy Gilmour also makes a comeback after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad.

Gilmour’s technical ability and composure on the ball will be vital as Scotland looks to rebuild its midfield core. Additionally, Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May after a breakthrough season with Dundee, earns a spot on the bench. The Stoke City defender has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level and has been a regular starter for his club, helping them secure three victories and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch.

Notably absent are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring issue. Torino forward Che Adams also misses out due to injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural selection. Other notable exclusions are 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 omission underscores the new manager’s emphasis on a specific style of play rather than simply rewarding past experience. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Brøndby, brings leadership and a strong defensive presence.

Although he previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level, he later switched to England’s youth teams before committing again to the Scottish senior side. Robbie Ure’s journey is equally compelling; after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius – where he scored 20 goals in as many games – he secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible to represent Ukraine through a grandparent, highlighting the multicultural background of modern Scottish players.

Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer. His pace and creativity on the wing have made him a regular starter for the Edinburgh club. Stephen Welsh, meanwhile, arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where he demonstrated his ability to control the midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been an ever‑present figure for Celtic this season, earning a call‑up at the expense of his teammate Anthony Ralston.

His consistency and defensive solidity make him a reliable option for Pocognoli’s back line. The full goalkeeper roster lists Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City), offering a blend of experience and youth between the posts.

The defensive contingent features 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). In midfield, the selections include 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 attacking line comprises Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts).

Pocognoli addressed the media after revealing his squad, emphasizing his tactical priorities: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch. My selections have been guided by that principle.

I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices based on how they fit into the system, injury status and recent playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and returning veterans. The aim is to pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football while starting a new chapter.

This is a fresh opportunity for many, and the attitude we bring both on and off the field will define our success.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie’s been on our radar for a while, especially after his standout season in Sweden. Moving to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level. It’s encouraging to see a player take an unconventional route and succeed, and he certainly deserves recognition for his bravery and dedication.” He added further support for McBurnie’s recall: “Oli has worked hard to earn his chance again. After a period of criticism, he’s shown resilience, returned to the Premier League and is ready to fight for the number nine shirt.” Scotland’s upcoming fixtures in the Nations League are set as follows: Slovenia versus Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland versus Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia versus Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, Scotland versus Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, Scotland versus North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and Switzerland versus Scotland on 16 November at 19:45.

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