Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby, has finally received the senior Scotland jersey he has coveted for years. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, the defender explained that he never needed any persuasion from new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli – he was simply ready and eager to answer the call.
"I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come. I’m just really proud," Binks said, his voice reflecting both excitement and a deep‑seated sense of belonging. The statement summed up a journey that began in the Scottish youth set‑up, continued through a brief spell with the England under‑21s, and ultimately led back to the nation he always felt his heart belonged to.
Pocognoli, who took over the Scotland job earlier this year, announced a dramatically reshaped squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. Six players, including Binks, earned their first full‑senior caps in this selection. The manager has been clear that he will not pressure dual‑nationality players to choose Scotland; instead, he hopes they will decide for themselves if the country feels right.
Binks echoed this philosophy, noting, "If he had to try and convince me, convince anyone, it’s probably not the right thing for the player. I didn’t need any convincing; I was available." The defender’s enthusiasm stems from more than just a professional milestone.
He described the moment as a personal pilgrimage: "It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take." Binks recalled his earlier experiences with the Scottish youth sides, especially the under‑16s, when a trip to Bologna left a lasting impression. "The vibe was just so good.
It felt like a proper team, just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates," he reflected. Those memories, combined with the camaraderie he shared with fellow Scottish youngster Aaron Hickey during a stint in Italy, cemented his desire to represent Scotland at the highest level. Scotland’s current squad is a blend of fresh faces and seasoned professionals, but it also marks a stark departure from the team that qualified for the 2022 World Cup under Steve Clarke. Only three players – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams – remain from that final tournament, and even they are sidelined by injury for the upcoming matches.
The overhaul signals a new era under Pocognoli, who must integrate new tactical ideas while restoring confidence after the nation’s relegation from Nations League A following a playoff loss to Greece. Binks, who has recently adapted to a new manager at Brøndby, drew parallels between his club situation and the national team transition.
"I know what it’s like because I’ve got a new manager at my club now and it’s taking a bit of time, so I imagine it’s the same sort of process here," he said. He emphasized the importance of collective buy‑in: "It’s just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do. It’s been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country." The upcoming schedule offers Binks and his teammates a chance to prove themselves.
The campaign kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a high‑profile clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. After that, the squad travels to Skopje for the North Macedonia game on October 3, before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6. The Nations League provides a platform not only for promotion back to Group A but also for players like Binks to cement their places in the senior set‑up. Beyond the immediate fixtures, the broader context of Scottish football is evolving.
The nation aims to rebuild a cohesive identity that blends youthful exuberance with experienced leadership. Players such as Andy Robertson, who now plies his trade at Tottenham, and veteran centre‑back Scott McKenna at Dinamo Zagreb bring valuable international exposure, while emerging talents like Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) and Billy Gilmour (Napoli) add creativity and dynamism. Binks sees himself fitting into this mosaic, offering defensive solidity and a willingness to learn under Pocognoli’s guidance.
In addition to the on‑field challenges, the Scottish FA is leveraging modern media to keep fans engaged. Sky Sports, for instance, promotes flexible streaming options via its app, allowing supporters to follow the matches live wherever they are. The federation also encourages interaction through platforms like WhatsApp, where fans can receive the latest news, video highlights and expert analysis.
Looking ahead, Binks remains focused on the long‑term goal of helping Scotland return to the top tier of the Nations League and eventually compete on the world stage once more. "Obviously we want to get to the A group of the Nations League, but there are a lot of new faces, a lot of new management, new ways of playing," he affirmed. His personal journey—from youth internationals for both Scotland and England to a senior debut for the nation he always felt drawn to—embodies the passion and resilience that many Scottish supporters hope to see reflected in their team’s future.
The full squad list for the upcoming fixtures includes: 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) With the season’s crucial matches on the horizon, Binks and his teammates are poised to write a new chapter in Scottish football—one that honors the past, embraces fresh talent, and strives for success on the international stage.