Sebastien Pocognoli, the new manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and the list features a notable influx of newcomers. Among the five players receiving their first full senior caps are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have been highlighted as key additions to the side.
The squad also includes Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, each earning their maiden call‑up as Pocognoli looks to blend youthful vigor with experienced heads. In addition, Hull City striker Oli McBurnie makes a long‑awaited return to the national team after his last appearance in 2021, while goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken are back in the fold following veteran Craig Gordon’s retirement after the World Cup. Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour has also been recalled after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad, and Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee, secures a place in the 26‑man roster.
The Stoke City defender, a three‑time under‑21 international, has been a stalwart for his club, featuring every minute as The Potters amassed three victories and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been summoned to add depth across the midfield and attack. Notably absent from the list are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams, who is also nursing an injury. Overall, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural squad.
The omissions include Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brondby, brings a unique international pedigree, having represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams. Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy product, secured a high‑profile move to LaLiga club Sevilla after an eye‑catching spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored an astonishing 20 goals in as many games. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his international future.
Josh McPake’s selection rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh earns his place after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a fixture in Celtic’s defence this term and replaces his teammate Anthony Ralston in the back line. The full roster, as announced, lists the following players: 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 selections, emphasizing his footballing philosophy: "The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch. My focus has been to choose players who fit that vision.
I could have named many more, but I had to make tough decisions. Some players are omitted because they do not match the tactical approach, others because of injuries or limited playing time." He continued, "I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players, and young talent returning to the fold. The priority is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the veterans, and pass on the DNA, heritage, and culture of Scottish football. This marks 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 and a true beginning for others. The aim is to perform on the field with the right attitude both on and off the pitch." Former Scotland striker James McFadden weighed in on Sky Sports News, praising Ure’s rise: "Robbie Ure has been on our radar since his prolific spell in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out on the previous squad.
Securing a 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 healthy competition." McFadden also defended Oli McBurnie’s recall, stating, "Oli deserves his chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scottish shirt is evident.
He’s been patient, worked hard abroad, and now back in the Premier League, he’s ready to stake a claim for the number nine role." The upcoming fixtures for Scotland under Pocognoli’s guidance are set to be demanding. The team will travel to face Slovenia on September 26 (kick‑off 2 pm), host Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), then meet North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm). A return clash with Slovenia follows on October 6 (7.45 pm), with further matches against North Macedonia on November 13 and Switzerland on November 16, both at 7.45 pm. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more.
In summary, Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad signals a clear shift toward a dynamic, adaptable playing style, blending experienced internationals with a wave of promising talent eager to make their mark on the international stage. The inclusion of players such as Ure, Binks, McPake and McBurnie highlights a willingness to reward form and ambition, while the strategic omissions underscore the manager’s commitment to a cohesive tactical identity.
The coming months will reveal whether this bold approach can translate into success on the pitch and rejuvenate Scotland’s fortunes in European competition.