Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring five players receiving their very first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brondby centre‑back Luis Binks, both of whom have impressed with their recent club performances. The list also includes Celtic full‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh, each earning a spot for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Their inclusion signals Pocognoli's willingness to blend youthful energy with seasoned talent as he reshapes the squad. One of the most talked‑about selections is the return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie. The forward, who last represented Scotland in 2021, has been recalled after a period of strong form in the English Championship. His resurgence offers a familiar goal‑scoring option for the side.
Goalkeeping duties see the reinstatement of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who step in following veteran Craig Gordon's retirement after the World Cup. Their experience in the Scottish league and English lower divisions provides depth between the sticks. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes a comeback after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke's final squad.
Gilmour’s technical ability and composure on the ball will be valuable assets in Pocognoli's midfield plans. Stoke City defender Luke Graham earns a place after a breakout season with Dundee and participation in Scotland's pre‑World Cup training camp earlier in May. Graham has been a mainstay for Stoke, playing every minute of their recent run of three wins and a draw in the Championship, and his consistency earned him the nod.
Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson. Their varied experiences across Serie A, the Italian lower leagues, and the Scottish Premiership add further options for the manager. Notably absent is Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, as well as Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Torino forward Che Adams, who is also out with fitness concerns.
A total of twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli's inaugural roster. Other omissions include Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic midfielder Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall forward Lyndon Dykes, Stoke attacker George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brondby captain, brings leadership to the back line.
Though he has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level, he later featured for England youth sides before committing to the Scottish senior team. 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 as many games.
At 22, Ure is also eligible to play for Ukraine through a grandparent, but has chosen to pursue his international career with Scotland. Josh McPake's inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer. His pace and creativity on the wing have been key to Hearts' attacking play.
Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where he gained valuable first‑team experience. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been ever‑present for Celtic this season, and his selection replaces fellow Celtic player Anthony Ralston, reflecting Pocognoli's desire for a slightly different defensive profile. 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 unveiling his roster, emphasizing his tactical priorities: "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 vision.
I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices based on the system we intend to implement, as well as injury status and recent playing time." He continued, "We have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players, and young talents returning to the fold. The goal is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the experienced core, and pass on the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football. This is the start of a new chapter – the past is behind us, and we now have to build something new. It's a fresh opportunity for some and a true beginning for others.
The proof will be on the field, with the right attitude both on and off the pitch." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure's inclusion: "Robbie has been on our radar for a while, especially after his standout season in Sweden before the World Cup. Moving to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his unconventional career path – moving abroad, taking risks – deserves respect." Regarding McBurnie's recall, McFadden added, "Oli deserves this chance.
There has been some backlash against him recently, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is undeniable. He's been patient, worked hard, and now has the chance to prove he can be the number nine we need." The upcoming international calendar features several key fixtures: Slovenia versus Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland versus Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia versus Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, Scotland versus Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, Scotland versus North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and Switzerland versus Scotland on 16 November at 19:45.
Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. In addition to the football action, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for participants. The tournament aims to engage supporters throughout the Nations League campaign as Scotland embarks on this new era under Sebastien Pocognoli.