Luis Binks, the Brøndby‑based centre‑back, has finally realised a long‑standing ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. The 25‑year‑old, who has previously featured for both the Scottish and English under‑21 sides, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join the squad for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
"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, his voice brimming with emotion.
The defender explained that his decision was instinctive, rooted in where his heart lies, rather than any external pressure. "I didn't need any convincing; I was available. It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go.
This was the route I wanted to take," he added. Pocognoli, who took over the Scotland job earlier this year, has made it clear that he will not beg players to choose the Scottish jersey, a stance that resonated with Binks.
"If a manager had to try and convince me, or anyone, I think that’s not the right thing for the player," Binks said, emphasizing that the choice must come from within. Binks is among six newcomers handed their first full senior caps under Pocognoli’s regime.
The squad also includes a handful of familiar faces, such as Aaron Hickey, who Binks recalled meeting in Bologna a few years ago when Hickey received his own call‑up. "I could play for the under‑21s at the time and nothing ever came up, but Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for," Binks reflected. He reminisced about his early experiences with the Scottish youth set‑up, describing the atmosphere as "proper" and "like playing with mates".
"When I was with the under‑16s, the vibe was just so good. It felt like a proper team, just normal lads, and you felt like you were playing with your friends.
I knew there was always that feeling around it, and I wanted to be part of that again," he explained. The upcoming schedule sees Scotland’s new‑look side travel to Ljubljana for a match against Switzerland on Saturday, followed by a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, and a return to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6.
The team will also face Slovenia again later in November, as part of the Nations League Group B programme. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will be looking to bounce back in the second tier. Binks acknowledged the ambition to regain a place in the top group, while also recognising the challenges of a transitional period. "Obviously we want to get back to the A group of the Nations League, but there are a lot of new faces, new management, new ways of playing," he said.
He drew a parallel between the national team’s evolution and his own club situation, where he has also recently adjusted to a new manager. "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," Binks observed. The defender stressed that, despite being early days, the squad appears unified and motivated.
"It’s been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country," he affirmed. Scotland’s roster for the upcoming Nations League window includes a mix of seasoned internationals and fresh talent. 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).
Binks’ story illustrates the personal fulfilment that comes from achieving a childhood dream, as well as the broader narrative of a national side in transition, eager to re‑establish itself on the European stage. His pride in donning the Scottish jersey underscores a deep‑seated connection to the country’s footballing identity, a sentiment that will no doubt resonate with fans as the team embarks on its Nations League campaign.