Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring a blend of seasoned internationals and five newcomers earning their first full caps. Among the debutants are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, who will join Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not worn the Scotland shirt since 2021, and the reinstatement of goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup.
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke's final squad, while Stoke City centre‑back Luke Graham earns a place after a breakout season with Dundee and participation in Scotland's pre‑World Cup training camp in May. Graham, a three‑time under‑21 international, has been an ever‑present figure for Stoke as they compiled three wins and a draw in their last four Championship matches. Also returning are Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch.
In contrast, Napoli’s Scott McTominay is absent as he recovers from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland misses out due to a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams is also sidelined with injury.
Overall, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural list. The omitted veterans 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’s Ross Stewart. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is a particularly interesting case. He represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England for youth matches, and now returns to the Scottish set‑up as a versatile defender.
Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy graduate, secured a high‑profile move to LaLiga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games. At 22, Ure is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his international future. Josh McPake earned his place by delivering impressive performances since his summer transfer from St Johnstone to Hearts, while Stephen Welsh joins after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has featured in every Celtic match this campaign and replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national side.
The full roster of goalkeepers includes Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive line consists of 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). In midfield, the selections are Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts) and Lennon Miller (Udinese). Up front, the forwards are Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts).
Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized his philosophy: "The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch. My selections are driven by that vision.
I could have added many more names, but I had to make tough choices based on the system we will employ, injury status and recent playing time. I believe we have a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, fresh faces, first‑cap players and those returning from injury. The goal is to welcome the newcomers, preserve the DNA and heritage of Scottish football, and start a new chapter. The past is behind us; now we build something new with the right attitude both on and off the field." 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. He's taken an unconventional route, showing bravery by moving abroad and forging his own path, which deserves respect." McFadden also defended McBurnie's recall: "Oli deserves this chance.
There has been some backlash against him over the years, but his passion for Scotland is undeniable. He's worked hard, returned to the Premier League, and now deserves a look at the number nine role." Scotland's upcoming fixtures in the Nations League are set for September and October, with matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
The schedule includes: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and exclusive content. Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to all supporters.