Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Danish side Brøndby, has finally realised a long‑standing ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. The defender, who has previously featured for both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join his first senior squad. "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, underscoring the deep personal connection he feels to the nation. Binks is among a group of six newcomers who received their maiden full‑international call‑ups for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The selection reflects Pocognoli’s willingness to reshape the squad, as twelve players from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup roster are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing through injury.
While the environment is fresh, Binks noted that some familiar faces remain, providing a sense of continuity. The defender explained that he never required any coaxing from the coach. "I didn’t need any convincing; I was available.
I wanted to play for Scotland. I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I’m just really proud," he repeated, adding that the decision was guided by where his heart lies. "It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take." Binks’ journey to the senior side has been marked by a series of developmental milestones.
He first tasted the Scottish setup at under‑16 level, traveling abroad with the team and describing the experience as "the vibe was just so good" and "it felt like a proper team, just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates". Those early memories cemented his desire to return and represent the nation at the highest level. Later, while playing for the under‑21s, he shared a moment in Bologna with fellow Scottish defender Aaron Hickey, who was called up during their time in Italy.
"I could play for the 21s at the time and nothing ever coming up but it was always, Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for," Binks recalled. The upcoming Nations League campaign will see Scotland begin under Pocognoli in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a high‑profile clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
The team will then travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6. Scotland’s recent demotion from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they are now competing in League B, with a clear objective of regaining their place among Europe’s elite.
Binks acknowledged the challenges of integrating new personnel and a fresh tactical approach. "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 said. Drawing a parallel with his club situation, where he is also adapting to a new manager, Binks highlighted the importance of patience and collective buy‑in. "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.
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 expanded Scotland squad features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City).
The defensive line pairs Binks with 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). In midfield, the roster lists Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers). Up front, forwards such as Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts) round out the attack.
Beyond the on‑field aspects, Binks touched on the broader cultural and emotional resonance of wearing the Scottish jersey. He spoke of the camaraderie he felt during youth tournaments, the sense of playing alongside friends, and the pride of representing a nation with a rich football heritage.
"When you put on the shirt, you’re not just playing for yourself; you’re carrying the hopes of a whole country," he remarked, emphasizing the responsibility and privilege that comes with the call‑up. Fans can follow the upcoming fixtures via Sky Sports, which offers flexible streaming options through its app.
The schedule includes: - 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 The national team’s journey this season will be closely watched, as both supporters and players like Binks hope to restore Scotland’s standing in the Nations League and lay the groundwork for future success on the international stage.