Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scottish national side, has unveiled his first selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and the list features a notable influx of fresh talent. Among the newcomers are Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, who join a group of five players receiving their first full senior caps under the new coach.
The squad also incorporates Celtic's versatile full‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh. All three have earned their maiden call‑ups and will be expected to make an immediate impact in the matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia later this year. A long‑awaited return is also on the cards for Hull City forward Oli McBurnie, who has not featured for Scotland since 2021.
His recall follows a productive spell back in the Premier League, and the manager indicated that McBurnie's experience and goal‑scoring pedigree could prove valuable as Scotland look to bolster their attacking options. Between the posts, veteran keepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken have been reinstated after long‑time stalwart Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup campaign. Their inclusion adds depth and competition to the goalkeeping department, which also lists Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and the recently‑signed Scottish‑born goalkeeper for San Jose Earthquakes.
Napoli’s promising midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes a comeback after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke’s final squad. Gilmour’s technical ability and composure on the ball have long been praised, and his presence should give Pocognoli additional creative options in midfield.
Luke Graham, a Stoke City defender who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May, has earned a place in the 26‑man roster. Graham, who has already accumulated three caps at under‑21 level, has been a regular feature for the Potters, helping them secure three victories and a draw in their last four Championship outings. The list of recalled players also includes Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson. All have shown consistency at club level and are expected to provide fresh impetus as the team prepares for the crucial September fixtures.
Unfortunately, a few notable absences will be felt. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is sidelined following a minor heart operation, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland misses out due to a hamstring injury.
Torino forward Che Adams is also unavailable after picking up a knock in Serie A. In total, twelve members of the World Cup‑winning squad have been omitted from Pocognoli’s first selection. Other notable omissions include Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham midfielder Dominic Hyam, Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea striker Ross Stewart.
Their exclusion underscores the new manager’s desire to reshape the squad’s tactical identity. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old Brondby captain, brings a blend of Scottish youth‑international experience and English academy training, having previously represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth sides.
His leadership at the back will be vital for a side seeking defensive solidity. Robbie Ure’s journey to the senior team is equally compelling. The former Rangers academy graduate earned a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances. Ure, who is also eligible for Ukraine through his grandparents, has become a symbol of the modern, globally‑mobile Scottish player.
Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer. The winger’s pace and directness have added a new dimension to the Hearts attack, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team selectors. Stephen Welsh, meanwhile, arrives after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where his midfield tenacity and passing range impressed both fans and coaches. Right‑back Colby Donovan has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defensive line this season, and his selection replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston, signalling a shift towards players who fit Pocognoli’s preferred style of play.
The manager emphasized that the squad was built around a clear tactical philosophy, stating that many capable players were left out simply because they did not match the desired system. The full roster, broken down by position, reads as follows: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City) Defenders: Luis Binks (Brondby), 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), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts) Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli explained his approach: “The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch.
My selections have been guided by that principle. I could have named many more players, but I had to make choices based on how they fit into the system, injury status and recent playing time.
I believe we have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and young talents who are returning to the fold. The aim is to pass on the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football while embarking on a new chapter. This is a fresh start, a new book, and the past is behind us. The focus now is on attitude, both on and off the field, and proving ourselves when we step onto the pitch.” Former Scotland striker James McFadden offered his perspective on the selections during a Sky Sports interview.
He highlighted Robbie Ure’s rise, noting that the striker’s move to Sevilla demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. McFadden praised Ure’s courage in taking an unconventional career path, stating that he deserves respect for forging his own way abroad.
Regarding Oli McBurnie, McFadden added, “Oli has worked hard, stayed patient, and earned his chance back. He’s a natural number nine and should be given the opportunity to prove he can lead the line for Scotland.” The upcoming fixtures for the national team are as follows: - 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 Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, video highlights, analysis and exclusive content throughout the campaign.
The association also announced a promotional Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Overall, Pocognoli’s inaugural squad signals a clear shift towards a dynamic, adaptable playing style, blending experienced campaigners with a wave of emerging talent eager to make their mark on the international stage. The blend of players from top European leagues, the Championship and the Scottish Premiership suggests a squad ready to compete fiercely in the Nations League and lay the groundwork for future success.