Robbie Ure, the Sevilla forward, and Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby, are two of the five newcomers receiving their first full senior call‑up for Scotland under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Alongside them, Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh have also been selected for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The squad also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last wore the Scotland shirt in 2021. Goalkeeper Scott Bain and youngster Jon McCracken are back between the posts after veteran Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is included after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final selection.
Luke Graham earns a place after impressing in a breakout season with Dundee and featuring in Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May. The Stoke City defender has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level and has featured every minute as Stoke secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship games.
Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to the national pool. Notably absent are Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor heart operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Torino forward Che Adams also misses out through injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s first selection. Other notable exclusions are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect 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. Robbie 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. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible for Ukraine through a grand‑parental link. McPake has justified his selection with strong performances 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 Donovan has been a regular starter for Celtic this term and replaces his club teammate Ralston in the national lineup. Goalkeepers named in the 26‑man roster are Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive line‑up features 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) and Kieran Tierney (Celtic), with Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) rounding out the back. In midfield, Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts) and Lennon Miller (Udinese) have been selected.
Up front, the attacking options include Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Pocognoli explained his philosophy after unveiling the list: “The most important factor 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 named many more players, but I had to make tough choices.
Some omissions are due to injuries, others to form or tactical fit.” He added, “We have a good blend of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and returning veterans. The aim is to integrate new talent while preserving the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football. This is a new chapter, a fresh start. The past is behind us; now we build something new.
It’s an opportunity for some, 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 ever since his breakout season in Sweden, and his move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his unconventional career path shows real courage and determination.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden noted, “Oli deserves his chance. He’s faced criticism over the past few seasons, but his passion for the national team is evident. He’s worked hard, returned to the Premier League, and now has the chance to stake claim to 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). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and exclusive content.
Additionally, a Super 6 competition runs alongside the fixtures, offering a chance to win £1 million at no cost to participants.