Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, and it features a blend of seasoned internationals and a handful of newcomers making their debut at senior level. Among the five players receiving their first full Scotland caps are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have impressed with their club performances and now earn the chance to represent their country under the Belgian coach's guidance. The squad also includes Celtic's promising centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh.
These three have been rewarded for consistent displays in domestic competition and will join the group for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. A notable storyline is the long‑awaited recall of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last wore the Scotland shirt in 2021. After a period of mixed form and injury setbacks, McBurnie has rediscovered his scoring touch in the English Championship and is once again considered a viable option for the national team’s attacking line‑up.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who return after veteran keeper Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Their inclusion signals a transition period between the experienced Gordon and the next generation of Scottish custodians. Midfield dynamo Billy Gilmour, now plying his trade with Napoli, also makes the list after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad. Gilmour’s technical ability and vision have been key assets for both club and country, and his recovery means he can contribute to Pocognoli’s tactical plans.
Stoke City’s Luke Graham, a product of Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May, has earned a place thanks to a breakthrough season with Dundee. The defender, who has already accumulated three caps at under‑21 level, featured in every minute of Stoke’s recent run of three wins and a draw in the Championship, showcasing his durability and defensive awareness.
Additional call‑ups include Sassuolo full‑backs Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth and competition across the pitch. However, the squad is missing several key figures. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined as he recovers from a minor heart operation, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury.
Torino’s Che Adams also remains unavailable due to fitness concerns. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are absent from Pocognoli’s first roster. Other notable exclusions are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United’s Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst, and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Their omission reflects the new manager’s emphasis on a specific style of play and the need to balance experience with fresh talent.
Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby in the Danish SuperLiga, brings a wealth of experience despite his relatively young age. The 25‑year‑old has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams, making his inclusion a testament to his versatility and leadership qualities. 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 former Rangers academy graduate secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga club Sevilla. At 22, Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through a grandparental link, highlighting the multicultural pathways that modern footballers often navigate.
Josh McPake’s selection rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts during the summer window. His pace and creativity on the wing have made him a key figure in Hearts’ attacking set‑up.
Similarly, Stephen Welsh earns his spot after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where he demonstrated his ability to dictate play from midfield. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence this season, earning a call‑up in place of his teammate Anthony Ralston.
His consistency and defensive solidity have caught the eye of the national team selectors. The full squad list is as follows: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City) Defenders: 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), 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 addressed the media after announcing his selections, emphasizing his footballing 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 tough choices. Some players are omitted because they don't fit the system, whether due to injury, lack of playing time, or simply because their attributes don't match the style I intend to implement." He continued, "We have a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, and youngsters returning to the fold. The goal is to welcome the newcomers, blend them with the veterans, and pass on the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football. This is the start of a new chapter – a new book – and what happened before is part of the past.
We now have to build something new. It's a fresh opportunity for some and a new beginning for others. The proof will be on the field, and we must also maintain the right attitude off it." Former Scotland striker James McFadden weighed in on Sky Sports News, praising Ure’s rise: "Robbie Ure has been on our radar since his standout performances in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then.
His move to Sevilla proves he has the quality to compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his inclusion adds much‑needed competition." Regarding McBurnie, McFadden added, "Oli deserves his chance. There’s been some backlash against him over the years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident.
He’s been patient, worked on himself, and now, back in the Premier League, he’s ready to fight for the number nine role." The upcoming fixtures for Scotland under Pocognoli’s stewardship are set for September and October, with matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia in the Nations League, followed by additional friendlies later in the year. Fans can stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, and analysis.
In summary, Pocognoli’s inaugural squad reflects a strategic shift towards a cohesive playing style, integrating seasoned internationals with promising newcomers. The blend aims to rejuvenate the national team’s identity while preserving the proud traditions of Scottish football, offering both players and supporters a renewed sense of optimism as the team embarks on its next competitive chapter.