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 forward Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have impressed with their recent club performances and now receive the honour of representing Scotland at senior level. The squad also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh. All three have enjoyed strong domestic seasons and have been rewarded with places in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Their inclusion signals Pocognoli's intent to blend youthful energy with the experience of established internationals. A notable return is Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has been recalled after a long absence from the national side.
McBurnie's last appearance for Scotland came in 2021, but his consistent goal‑scoring in the English Championship has convinced the new boss that he deserves another chance. The forward’s comeback is welcomed by fans who have followed his ups and downs over the past few years. Between the posts, veteran keepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken have been reinstated following the retirement of long‑time stalwart Craig Gordon after the World Cup.
Their familiarity with the Scottish set‑up provides a reliable foundation as Pocognoli begins to shape his defensive philosophy. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes a return after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke's final squad. Gilmour, who has previously featured for the senior side, is expected to add creativity and composure in midfield when he regains full fitness.
Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender, is another addition. Graham spent the pre‑World Cup training camp in May with the national team and earned a place in the squad after a breakthrough campaign with Dundee, where his consistency helped the club secure three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Though he has only three under‑21 caps, his senior experience at club level makes him a valuable asset. The list of recalled players also includes Sassuolo full‑backs Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson.
Their inclusion reflects the manager’s desire to broaden the talent pool and give opportunities to those performing well in foreign leagues. Unfortunately, several key figures are missing due to injury or other circumstances. Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem.
Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable due to injury. In total, twelve members of the World Cup‑qualified squad are absent from Pocognoli’s first selection.
Other notable absences include Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic midfielder 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. Their omission underscores the new manager’s focus on a specific style of play and the need to balance experience with fresh talent. Luis Binks, who captains Danish SuperLiga side Brondby, is a particularly interesting case. The 25‑year‑old has represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams.
His dual‑national background and leadership experience at club level make him a versatile option for Pocognoli’s defensive plans. Robbie Ure’s journey is equally compelling.
After a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games, the 22‑year‑old earned a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga club Sevilla. Ure is also eligible to represent Ukraine through a grand‑parent rule, but has chosen to commit his international future to Scotland. His rapid rise illustrates the increasingly global pathways Scottish players are taking to reach top‑flight football.
Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer. The winger has become a key creative outlet for the Edinburgh club, prompting his call‑up. Similarly, Stephen Welsh joins the squad after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where his performances in midfield caught the eye of the national team staff. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence this season, featuring in every league match.
His consistency earned him a place ahead of teammate Anthony Ralston, highlighting Pocognoli’s preference for players who fit his tactical blueprint. The full roster, as announced, includes: 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) Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized his philosophy: "The most important thing for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch.
My selections are driven by that vision. I could have named many more players, but I had to make choices based on how they fit the system, their fitness and recent playing time. I believe we have a good mix of experienced heads, new 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." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s unconventional route: "Robbie’s been on the radar for a while, especially after his form in Sweden.
Moving to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. He’s taken a brave path, and his dedication deserves respect." McFadden also defended McBurnie’s recall, noting the striker’s perseverance and recent Premier League experience.
The upcoming fixtures for Scotland include Nations League clashes against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia, with dates spanning September to November. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s progress via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights and analysis.