Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his very first selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and the list features a notable influx of fresh talent. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both of whom receive their first full senior caps under the new coach. In addition, Celtic’s versatile defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh have all been summoned, rounding out a group of five debutants who will join the squad for the next round of international competition.
The announcement also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who last represented Scotland in 2021. After a three‑year absence, McBurnie’s performances in the English Championship have convinced Pocognoli that he deserves another chance at the senior level. Goalkeeping duties see the reinstatement of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who step in following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup campaign.
Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from Steve Clarke’s final squad. 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, also earns a spot. Graham, who has already earned three caps for the under‑21 side, has been a stalwart for the Potters, featuring every minute as they secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Sassuolo’s versatile full‑back Josh Doig and striker Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth and competition across the back line and attack.
However, not everyone makes the cut. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined as he recovers from a minor heart operation, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland misses out due to a hamstring problem.
Torino’s Che Adams is also unavailable through injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. Among those left out 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, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, brings a unique background to the squad. He previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams, making his senior debut for Scotland a noteworthy reversal. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga side Sevilla after an impressive spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games.
At 22, Ure also qualifies for Ukraine through a grand‑parent rule, adding an extra layer of eligibility intrigue. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his strong form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts during the summer window.
Stephen Welsh earns his place after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season, while Colby Donovan has been a fixture in Celtic’s defense this term, taking the spot vacated by teammate Anthony Ralston. 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 (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 revealing his selections, emphasizing that his primary concern is the style of play he wishes to implement. "For me, the most important thing is the style of football I want to see on the pitch," he said. "My focus has been to choose players who fit that vision.
I could have named many more, but I had to make difficult decisions. Some players were omitted because they do not suit the system, whether due to injury, lack of playing time, or simply because they do not match the tactical profile I am aiming for." He continued, "I think we have a healthy blend of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players, young prospects, and those returning from injury.
The key is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the experienced group, and pass on the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football. This is the start of a new chapter – a new book.
What happened before is history; now we must build something new. It is a fresh opportunity for some, a true new beginning for others. From there, it is about delivering on the field and maintaining the right attitude both on and off the pitch." Former Scotland striker James McFadden offered his perspective on Sky Sports News, highlighting Robbie Ure’s rise.
"Ure has been on our radar ever since his prolific spell in Sweden ahead of the World Cup, but he missed out on the final squad. His move to Sevilla proves he has the quality to compete at the highest level. Scotland has struggled for depth in that position for years, and his inclusion adds healthy competition." McFadden also defended Oli McBurnie’s recall, noting the criticism the striker has faced in recent seasons.
"Oli deserves this chance. He’s passionate about wearing the Scotland shirt and has had to be patient. He went abroad, worked on himself, and now he’s back in the Premier League. He certainly deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role permanently." The schedule for Scotland’s upcoming internationals is as follows: a match against Slovenia on 26 September at 14:00, a home fixture versus Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, a game against North Macedonia on 3 October at 19:45, a return clash with Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, another encounter with North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and finally a showdown with Switzerland on 16 November at 19:45.
Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more. Overall, Pocognoli’s inaugural squad reflects a blend of ambition and pragmatism, aiming to inject fresh energy while retaining a core of experienced players.
The inclusion of five debutants signals a willingness to look beyond the traditional pool and reward form and potential, setting the stage for a potentially exciting new era for Scottish football.