Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally realised a lifelong ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. The defender, who has previously featured for both the England and Scotland under‑21 sides, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli approached him about joining the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. "I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come.
I’m just really proud," Binks told Sky Sports News, emphasizing that his decision was driven by a deep personal connection rather than external pressure. The Scottish FA’s new‑look side, assembled by Pocognoli, includes six newcomers who have earned their first full‑international call‑ups for matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. Pocognoli has made it clear that he will not actively try to convince dual‑eligible players to choose Scotland, a stance that resonated strongly with Binks. "If a manager had to beg a player to pick a country, it probably isn’t the right fit for the player," Binks explained.
"I didn’t need any convincing; I was available. I wanted to play for Scotland.
It’s where my heart is, and it’s the path I’ve always wanted to take." The defender reflected on his early experiences with the Scottish youth set‑up, recalling a trip to Bologna with the under‑16s where the atmosphere felt like a close‑knit group of friends. "It felt like a proper team, just normal lads, and you felt like you were playing with your mates. That vibe stuck with me, and I’ve always known Scotland was the nation I wanted to represent," he said. Binks’s first senior call‑up arrives at a time of transition for the national side.
Pocognoli’s debut campaign begins in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a high‑profile clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The squad will then travel to Skopje for the North Macedonia match on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6. Scotland’s recent history in the Nations League adds context to the stakes. After a play‑off loss to Greece last year, the team dropped from League A to League B, meaning they must now fight to regain their place among Europe’s elite.
Binks acknowledged the challenge, noting, "Obviously we want to get back to the A group, but there are a lot of new faces, new management, and new ways of playing. It’s a rebuilding process, similar to what I’m experiencing at my club with a new manager." He drew a parallel between the adjustments required at Brøndby and those needed within the national team, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and collective belief. "It’s about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do. It’s early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can achieve as a country," Binks added.
While Binks will be a fresh face in the senior squad, he will not be entirely alone. He mentioned former teammate Aaron Hickey, who was called up while they were both in Italy, as a familiar presence that eases the transition. The broader squad list features a mix of seasoned internationals and promising talents across all positions: 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), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers). Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts). Beyond the on‑field implications, Binks’s story highlights the broader narrative of identity and belonging in modern football.
Players with dual eligibility often face complex choices, balancing career prospects, personal heritage, and emotional ties. Binks’s straightforward answer—Scotland is where his heart lies—offers a clear example of a player following his own convictions.
Fans can follow the team’s progress through various platforms, including Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which provides updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. The upcoming fixtures are set for the following dates and times: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 GMT - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 GMT - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 GMT - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 GMT As the nation prepares for these crucial encounters, Binks’s enthusiasm and sense of purpose serve as a reminder that the team’s future rests not only on tactical adjustments but also on the genuine passion of players who truly feel they belong to the Scottish cause. His words—"It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go"—encapsulate the spirit that Pocognoli hopes to harness as Scotland strives to climb back to the top tier of the Nations League and, ultimately, to compete on the world stage once again.