Robbie Ure, the Sevilla forward, and Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby in Denmark, are two of the five players earning their first senior call‑up for Scotland under new manager Sébastien Pocognoli. The other newcomers are Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all selected for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The list also features a long‑awaited return for Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last wore the Scotland shirt in 2021. Goalkeeping duties are back in the hands of Scott Bain and Jon McCracken after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli’s Billy Gilmour is back on the roster after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad. Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May after a breakout season with Dundee, has also been included.
The Stoke City defender, a three‑time under‑21 international, has featured every minute as the Potters collected three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to the national pool. Notably absent are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams is also out injured.
In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s debut selection. Other omissions 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 striker Ross Stewart. Binks, the 25‑year‑old Danish SuperLiga captain, previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams.
Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, earned a high‑profile move to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games. He is also eligible for Ukraine through a grandparent.
McPake has been rewarded for his form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Welsh earned his place after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s back line this term, taking the spot vacated by his teammate 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).
After unveiling the list, Pocognoli explained his philosophy: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch. My selections are driven by that vision. I could have added many more names, but I had to make tough choices. Some players miss out because they don’t fit the system, others because of injuries or lack of game time.” He added, “We have a healthy mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and those returning from injury.
The goal is to blend experience with new energy, pass on the DNA, heritage and culture, and start a new chapter. The past is behind us; now we build something new. It’s a fresh opportunity for many, and the attitude both on and off the field will be crucial.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie has been on our radar since his standout season in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has needed competition up front for years, and Robbie’s unconventional path shows his bravery and determination.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden said, “Oli deserves this chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is undeniable. He’s worked hard, regained Premier League form, and now deserves a look to see if he can claim the number nine role.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule features matches against Slovenia on 26 September (2 pm), Switzerland on 29 September (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on 3 October (7.45 pm), a return fixture with Slovenia on 6 October (7.45 pm), another clash with North Macedonia on 13 November (7.45 pm) and finally Switzerland on 16 November (7.45 pm).
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