Five Fresh Faces Named in Pocognoli's Inaugural Scotland Squad

Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, featuring a blend of seasoned internationals and five newcomers making their full‑international debuts. Among the fresh faces are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, who join Celtic defender Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The squad also sees the long‑awaited return of Hull City’s striker Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021, and the reinstatement of two 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.

Luke Graham earns a call‑up after impressing during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoying a breakthrough season with Dundee. The Stoke City centre‑back, who has already earned three caps for the under‑21 side, has been an ever‑present figure as his club secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings.

Other notable inclusions are Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch. However, a handful of regulars are missing: Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined following minor heart surgery, Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring problem, and Torino forward Che Adams is also injured. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are absent 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’s Ross Stewart.

Luis Binks, who captains Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is an interesting case. The 25‑year‑old previously 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 move to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 games. The 22‑year‑old also qualifies for Ukraine through a grand‑parent rule. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Colby Donovan, who has featured in every Celtic match this campaign, replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national setup.

The full roster 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 explained his selection philosophy after the announcement: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to see 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 based on form, fitness and how each player contributes to the system we intend to implement.

There is a healthy mix of experienced campaigners, new caps, young talent and players returning from injury. The aim is to welcome the newcomers, retain 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, and now we build something fresh.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie has been on our radar ever since his breakout season in Sweden.

Moving to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in the forward positions for years, and his unconventional path – moving abroad, taking risks and developing on his own terms – deserves respect.” He added on McBurnie’s recall: “Oli has earned this chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident.

After working hard in the Premier League, he’s ready to fight for the number nine role.” The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland face Slovenia on September 26 at 2 pm, Switzerland on September 29 at 7.45 pm, North Macedonia on October 3 at 7.45 pm, a return fixture with Slovenia on October 6 at 7.45 pm, followed by another clash with 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.