Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who will receive their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have earned a place in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The list also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, each of whom has been called up for the same set of matches.
In addition to the fresh talent, there is a notable return: Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021, has been recalled after a long absence. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who have been brought back into the fold following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also rejoins the squad after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from Steve Clarke’s final selection. Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender 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 27‑man roster.
Graham has already accumulated three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure as Stoke secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Other recalled names include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. Their inclusion reflects Pocognoli’s desire to blend experience with youthful vigor. However, some familiar faces are missing.
Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from a minor heart operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury. Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable due to injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup have been omitted from the Belgian‑born coach’s inaugural list.
Further absentees are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, who captains Brondby in the Danish SuperLiga, is a dual‑nationality player who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth sides.
Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances. Ure is also eligible for Ukraine through a grandparent‑based qualification.
Josh McPake has earned his call‑up thanks to strong performances since his summer move from St Johnstone to Hearts, while Stephen Welsh joins after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a regular starter for Celtic this campaign and replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national setup.
The full squad breakdown is as follows: 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) Pocognoli addressed the media after announcing his selections, emphasizing his tactical philosophy: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see 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. Some players are omitted because they don’t fit the system, others because of injuries or lack of game time.” He added, “We have a balanced mix of seasoned veterans, fresh faces, first‑cap players and returning squad members.
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 a chance to prove themselves both on and off the field.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie’s been on our radar ever since his standout season in Sweden. Securing a move to Sevilla proves he has the quality to compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in the forward line for years, and his unconventional path shows great courage and determination.” He also defended McBurnie’s recall: “Oli deserves his chance.
There’s been some backlash over the past few years, but his passion for the national team is evident. He’s worked hard, returned to the Premier League, and now has the opportunity to stake a claim for the number nine role.” The upcoming international calendar sees Scotland facing Slovenia on 26 September (2 pm), Switzerland on 29 September (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on 3 October (7.45 pm), a return fixture against Slovenia on 6 October (7.45 pm), another match versus North Macedonia on 13 November (7.45 pm) and finally Switzerland on 16 November (7.45 pm). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more.
Overall, Pocognoli’s first squad reflects a deliberate blend of experience and youthful ambition, aiming to inject fresh energy into Scotland’s campaign while honoring the nation’s footballing traditions.