Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who are receiving their first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Danish Superliga defender Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby. The list also features Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have been handed their maiden call‑ups for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
In addition to the fresh faces, the squad sees the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021. Goalkeeping duties are shared between the experienced Scott Bain and the young Jon McCracken, who step back into the fold after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup.
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes his way back into the senior set‑up 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, has earned a place as well. Graham, a three‑time under‑21 international, has been an ever‑present figure for the Potters as they recorded three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Further inclusions are Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s promising midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch.
Notably absent is Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined by a hamstring problem. Torino forward Che Adams also misses out due to injury. Overall, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural list. Among those omitted are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart.
Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brøndby captain, brings a unique background: he represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games.
The 22‑year‑old also qualifies for Ukraine through a grand‑parent rule. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his strong performances since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer, while Stephen Welsh earned his call‑up after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence this term and replaces his teammate Anthony Ralston in the squad. The full goalkeeper roster consists of Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City).
Defenders named are 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). The midfield contingent includes 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 thing for me is the style of play I want to see on the pitch.
My selections have been guided by that principle. I could have added many more names, but I had to make tough choices. Some players were left out because they don't fit the system, whether due to injury or lack of playing time." He continued, "We have a good blend of experience, new talent, first‑cap players and returning veterans. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, integrate the seasoned heads, and pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.
This is the start of a new chapter; what happened before is history. Now we build something fresh. It's a fresh opportunity for some and a new beginning for others. The ultimate test 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 because of his form in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then.
Moving to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland have lacked competition in that position for years, and Robbie’s unconventional path – moving abroad, taking risks – deserves respect. He’s shown bravery and development, earning his place now." Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added, "Oli deserves this chance.
There’s been some backlash against him over recent years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident. He’s been patient, worked on himself, and now back in the Premier League, he’s ready to fight for the number nine role." The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland facing Slovenia on September 26 (2 pm), Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm), a return fixture with Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), another match against North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm) and finally Switzerland on November 16 (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 squad blends seasoned internationals with a wave of fresh talent, aiming to forge a dynamic playing style and restore Scotland’s competitive edge on the international stage.