Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring a blend of fresh talent and seasoned professionals for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, who join a group of five players earning their first full Scotland caps under Pocognoli's guidance. The list also includes Celtic's versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh.
All three have impressed at club level and have been rewarded with senior call‑ups for the first time. Their inclusion reflects Pocognoli's desire to inject youthful energy while maintaining a solid defensive foundation. A notable recall is Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021. After a period of criticism and speculation about his future, McBurnie's return signals that the manager believes the striker has matured and is ready to contribute again at international level.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who have been summoned following the retirement of veteran Craig Gordon after the World Cup. Their experience in the Scottish league and the English lower divisions, respectively, provides a reliable backup while the manager evaluates long‑term options between the sticks. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes his way back into the squad after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke's final selection.
Gilmour's technical ability and composure on the ball have been praised, and his recovery is seen as a boost to Scotland's midfield creativity. Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender, earned his place after a breakthrough season with Dundee and participation in Scotland's pre‑World Cup training camp in May. Graham has already accumulated three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure for the Potters, helping them secure three victories and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Additional call‑ups 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.
However, several key players are absent. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland misses out due to a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams also remains injured. In total, twelve members of the World Cup squad are not featured in Pocognoli's inaugural list.
Other notable omissions are 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, now the captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brondby, is a versatile defender who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England at youth level. His experience in Scandinavia and his leadership qualities make him a valuable addition.
Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games. At 22, Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through his grandparents, adding an interesting dimension to his international prospects. Josh McPake has earned his place thanks to impressive performances since his summer move from St Johnstone to Hearts, while Stephen Welsh joins after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic's defense this term and replaces his teammate Ralston in the squad.
The full goalkeeper roster consists of Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders called up are 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).
Midfield selections feature 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, Pocognoli has chosen Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized his focus on style of play: "The most important thing for me is the type of football I want to see on the pitch. My selections reflect that philosophy.
I could have included many more players, but I had to make tough choices based on the system we intend to implement, injury status and recent playing time." He added, "We have a good mix of experienced heads, 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 new journey, a new book. What has happened before is part of the past; now we build something forward‑looking." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure's progress: "Robbie has been on our radar for his form in Sweden, especially leading up to the World Cup, but missed out then. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at a high level. He's taken an unconventional path, and his bravery in moving abroad deserves respect." On McBurnie's recall, McFadden noted, "Oli deserves this chance.
He's faced a lot of criticism in recent years, but his passion for Scotland is evident. He's worked hard, returned to the Premier League, and now deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role." Scotland's upcoming fixtures include a September 26 clash with Slovenia, followed by matches against Switzerland on September 29, North Macedonia on October 3, a return tie with Slovenia on October 6, another game versus North Macedonia on November 13, and a final encounter with Switzerland on November 16. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights and in‑depth analysis. The squad announcement marks a pivotal moment for Scottish football, as Pocognoli seeks to blend youthful ambition with seasoned reliability, aiming to forge a cohesive unit capable of competing on the international stage.