Five New Faces Named in Pocognoli's Inaugural Scotland Squad

Robbie Ure, the Sevilla forward, and Luis Binks from Brøndby have secured spots among five players receiving their first full senior call‑up under new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Alongside them, Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder 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 national jersey in 2021, and sees the reinstatement of goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken after veteran Craig Gordon retired following the World Cup. Napoli’s Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad, while 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 Stoke City defender who has already earned three caps at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure as the Potters recorded three victories and a draw in their last four Championship outings.

Additional recalls include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts attacker James Wilson. Two notable absences are Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor cardiac operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Torino forward Che Adams also misses out due to injury. In total, twelve players who featured at the World Cup are omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural list. Other notable exclusions are Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart. Binks, who captains Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby, is a 25‑year‑old who previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams.

Ure, a former Rangers academy product, 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. The 22‑year‑old also qualifies for Ukraine through the grand‑parent rule.

McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since joining Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, while Welsh earns his place after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season. Right‑back Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s back line this campaign and replaces his teammate Ralston in the national set‑up.

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 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), Kieran Tierney (Celtic) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).

Midfield selections include 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). After announcing the squad, Pocognoli explained his philosophy: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch.

My selections have been driven by that vision. I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices. Some omissions are due to injuries or lack of playing time, but the overarching reason is the tactical profile I am seeking.” He added, “We have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and returning veterans. The goal is to integrate new talent while preserving the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football.

This is a new chapter – the past is behind us and we now have to build something together. It’s an opportunity for some, a fresh start for others, and ultimately we must show the right attitude both on and off the field.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s rise: “Robbie has been on our radar since his standout performances in Sweden before the World Cup, but he missed out then.

His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level. Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his inclusion adds valuable competition.

Robbie took an unconventional route, but his bravery in moving abroad and focusing on his development deserves respect.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden noted, “Oli deserves his chance. There’s been some backlash against him over the past few years, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is evident. He’s been patient, worked hard away from home, and now his return to the Premier League makes him a strong candidate for the number nine role.” The Nations League schedule for Scotland includes 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 a final game versus Switzerland on 16 November (7.45 pm).

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