Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection, introducing five players who are receiving their very first full international caps. Among the newcomers are Sevilla’s forward Robbie Ure and Danish Superliga side Brøndby’s versatile defender Luis Binks, both of whom have earned spots in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The list also features Celtic’s promising centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, completing the set of debutants that Pocognoli has chosen to integrate alongside more seasoned campaigners. In addition to the fresh faces, the squad marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021.
McBurnie’s recall comes after a productive spell back in the Premier League and a period of intense scrutiny from the media and fans alike. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who have been called back following veteran Craig Gordon’s decision to retire after the World Cup. Their inclusion provides a blend of experience and youthful energy between the posts. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes his way back into the fold after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from Steve Clarke’s final squad.
Gilmour’s recovery has been closely monitored, and his technical ability is expected to add creativity to Scotland’s midfield. Luke Graham, who impressed during a pre‑World Cup training camp in May after a breakthrough season with Dundee, has earned a place in the squad.
The Stoke City defender, capped three times at under‑21 level, has been an ever‑present figure for his club, contributing to three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Other notable recalls include Sassuolo’s dynamic full‑backs Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s promising midfielder Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have demonstrated consistent form at club level. However, a few key players are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural roster. Napoli’s midfield engine Scott McTominay is sidelined as he recovers from minor heart surgery, while Rangers’ prolific striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury.
Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable due to fitness concerns. Overall, twelve members of the World Cup‑winning squad are absent from this first selection under the Belgian manager. Among those omitted are Rangers defender John Souttar, Celtic midfielder Anthony Ralston, Hibernian centre‑back Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst, and Swansea striker Ross Stewart.
Luis Binks, who captains Brøndby in the Danish SuperLiga, brings a wealth of experience despite his relatively young age of 25. He has previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth teams, making his inclusion a testament to his versatility and leadership qualities. Robbie Ure, a product of the Rangers academy, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he astonishingly netted 20 goals in 20 appearances. The 22‑year‑old is also eligible to represent Ukraine through his grandparents, adding an intriguing dimension to his international future.
Josh McPake has earned his place thanks to a string of impressive performances since his summer move from St Johnstone to Hearts, while Stephen Welsh arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic last season, showcasing his adaptability across the Scottish Premiership. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defense this season, earning a call‑up that sees him replace his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national setup. The full list of goalkeepers includes Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive contingent 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 comprise 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). Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized his vision for the team: “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 difficult choices based on how they fit into our system, whether due to injury, form or tactical suitability.” He added, “We have a balanced mix of experienced veterans, fresh talent, and players returning from injury. The goal is to welcome the new faces, preserve our footballing DNA, and build a new chapter for Scotland.
This is a fresh start, and the attitude we bring both on and off the field will be crucial.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: “Robbie has been on our radar since his standout season in Sweden. Moving to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level. His unconventional path—venturing abroad and forging his own career—deserves respect.” Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden noted, “Oli has earned this chance. He’s faced criticism over the years, but his determination and recent form in the Premier League make him a valuable option for the number nine role.” Scotland’s upcoming Nations League schedule sees them facing Slovenia on September 26, Switzerland on September 29, North Macedonia on October 3, a return clash with Slovenia on October 6, another meeting with North Macedonia on November 13, and a final game against Switzerland on November 16.
Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. The squad’s composition reflects Pocognoli’s ambition to blend youth with experience, inject fresh competition into key positions, and lay the foundations for a new era of Scottish football.