Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally earned his first senior call‑up for Scotland, and his excitement is palpable. "I have wanted to wear the Scotland shirt for years, and now the chance has arrived.
I’m genuinely proud," he told Sky Sports News after learning that new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli had selected him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Binks’ international journey has been a curious one.
He has represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, a reflection of his dual eligibility and the cross‑border nature of modern football development. Yet when Pocognoli announced his intention to include Binks in the senior squad, the defender did not need any persuasion. "I didn’t need any convincing; I was ready," Binks explained. "I have always wanted to play for Scotland.
It’s where my heart lies, and I have been waiting for this moment for a long time." The call‑up comes as part of a broader overhaul of the Scottish side. Six players, including Binks, receive their first full senior caps for the Nations League matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The overhaul follows the departure of most of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad, leaving only a handful – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams – sidelined through injury.
Pocognoli has been clear that he will not pressure dual‑nationality players to choose Scotland; he believes the decision should be personal and genuine. Binks wholeheartedly agrees, noting that any attempt to “convince” a player would be counter‑productive. Binks reflected on his earlier experiences with the Scottish youth set‑up, recalling a trip to Bologna with teammate Aaron Hickey when both were called up for the under‑21s.
"Back then I was playing for the U21s and nothing seemed to change, but the feeling was always the same – Scotland was the team I wanted to represent," he said. He also reminisced about his time with the under‑16s, describing the atmosphere as "proper team‑spirit, like playing with mates". That camaraderie, he believes, is something he hopes to recapture at senior level.
The new Pocognoli era will kick off in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Scotland face Slovenia before moving on to a high‑profile clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The itinerary continues with a trip to North Macedonia on 3 October and a return to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland’s recent relegation from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they are now competing in League B, and the squad’s objective is clear: regain a place in the top tier. Binks drew parallels between his club situation and the national team transition.
"I have a new manager at Brøndby, and it takes time for everyone to adjust. I expect the same process here – getting the players on board, embracing the manager’s ideas, and building a cohesive unit," he observed.
He emphasized that the early stages are promising, with everyone “fully on board and believing in what we can achieve as a country.” The squad list released by the Scottish FA includes a mix of seasoned internationals and fresh faces. Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers).
Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Beyond the on‑field matters, the Scottish FA is also promoting fan engagement through digital channels. Supporters can follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for up‑to‑date news, video highlights, analysis and exclusive content. The upcoming fixtures are scheduled as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, and Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45.
Additional matches later in the year include Scotland vs North Macedonia on 13 November and Switzerland vs Scotland on 16 November, both kicking off at 19:45. In an effort to boost fan interaction, the broadcaster has launched a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for participants. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to keep the national team’s supporters engaged throughout the Nations League campaign, especially as the squad seeks to rebuild and aim for promotion back to League A. Overall, Luis Binks’ story encapsulates the blend of personal ambition, national pride and the evolving landscape of Scottish football.
His journey from youth internationals to a senior debut under a new manager mirrors the broader transformation underway within the team. As the players gather in Ljubljana and later at Hampden, the hope is that the fresh energy and collective belief will translate into performances that restore Scotland’s standing in European competition.