Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, and it features a notable influx of fresh talent. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both earning their first full international caps under the Belgian coach. The list also includes Celtic's versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been handed the opportunity to represent Scotland in the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Their inclusion signals Pocognoli's desire to blend youthful exuberance with the experience of established players. One of the most talked‑about selections is the long‑awaited recall of Hull City forward Oli McBurnie.
The striker, who last wore the Scotland shirt in 2021, has worked his way back into contention after a period of criticism and injury setbacks. His return reflects both his perseverance and the manager’s belief that he can still contribute at the highest level. In goal, the veteran duo of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken have been retained following the retirement of Craig Gordon after the World Cup. Their presence provides stability and a familiar face for the defensive unit as the team transitions to a new tactical philosophy.
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes the squad after missing the previous selection due to a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from Steve Clarke’s final roster. Gilmour’s technical ability and composure on the ball are expected to add creativity in midfield. Stoke City centre‑back Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee, has earned a place in the 26‑man list. Graham has been a regular for Stoke, playing every minute of their recent run of three wins and a draw in the Championship, demonstrating his durability and defensive acumen.
Additional recalls include Sassuolo full‑backs Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. Their performances in Italy’s Serie A and the Italian second tier have not gone unnoticed, and Pocognoli appears keen to reward form across Europe.
Notably absent are several players who featured at the World Cup. Napoli’s 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 unavailable through injury. A further twelve World Cup veterans are omitted from the Belgian‑born manager’s inaugural squad.
This group includes 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. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish Superliga side Brøndby, brings a unique background to the team. He has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth sides, highlighting the fluid nature of modern international eligibility.
Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, 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 appearances. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parent rule, underscoring the multicultural dimensions of today’s footballers. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer.
His pace and directness on the wing have made him a key figure for the Edinburgh club. Stephen Welsh earns his call‑up after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where he displayed versatility across the midfield. Right‑back Colby Donovan, a regular starter for Celtic this season, replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston, offering a more defensive profile on the flanks. The goalkeeper roster lists Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City), providing a mix of experience and youthful potential.
The full defensive lineup 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) and Kieran Tierney (Celtic), alongside Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). Midfield options 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 choices comprise 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 footballing philosophy: “The most important thing 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, injury status and recent playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players and those returning from injury.
The goal is to pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football while starting a new chapter. This is a new opportunity for some and a fresh beginning for others. Now we must translate that into performances on the field and maintain the right attitude off it.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie’s been on our radar since his standout season in Sweden, but he missed the World Cup squad. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his bravery in taking an unconventional path deserves respect.” McFadden also defended McBurnie’s recall, noting the striker’s resilience: “Oli has worked hard, faced criticism, and stayed patient. He’s now back in the Premier League and deserves a look at the number nine role.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule features fixtures against Slovenia on September 26 (2 pm), Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm), a return clash with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), another meeting with North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and a final showdown with Switzerland on November 16 (7.45 pm).
Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. For those looking for extra excitement, the platform is also running a Super 6 competition with a £1 million prize pool, free to enter. The new squad, with its blend of emerging talent and seasoned professionals, aims to bring a fresh dynamic to the Scottish side and compete fiercely in the upcoming international windows.