Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement that his atypical journey through the football world has culminated in a place in Sebastien Pocognoli’s inaugural Scotland squad. The 22‑year‑old forward began his development within the Rangers youth system, but limited chances to break into the first team prompted a bold move abroad to Belgian side Anderlecht in 2023. After a brief stint in Belgium, Ure ventured north to Sweden, joining IK Sirius. There, his prolific scoring record—31 goals in 50 appearances—caught the attention of clubs across the continent during the summer transfer window.
His performances earned him a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga outfit Sevilla, who secured his services for an initial fee of £5.5 million last month. The rapid ascent from Scottish academy prospect to Spanish top‑flight player has now been rewarded with his first senior call‑up for the Scotland national team. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Ure reflected on his decision to leave Rangers: “At Rangers I didn’t feel I could progress any further, so I needed an intermediate step, and Anderlecht gave me that opportunity.” He added that, in hindsight, the move was unquestionably the right one.
“It’s a bit unusual for a Scottish player to take that route,” he noted, emphasizing that while many observers might think his journey began only a few weeks ago, it actually represents three years of hard work, relocation, and adaptation to different football cultures. Ure described the experience as lengthy but enjoyable, and he admitted he had hoped for opportunities under the new manager. “I thought there would be chances with the new gaffer, and I’m delighted to be part of his first training camp. I hope I can demonstrate what I can contribute,” he said.
Pocognoli’s revamped Scotland side features a significant turnover, with twelve players from Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑ending roster omitted. Notably, none of the forwards who have been plying their trade in the United States are included, leaving a clear opening for Ure to stake his claim.
“We need fresh energy, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to execute the style the new manager wants,” Ure explained. “For the attackers, the obvious goal is to score, but there’s more to it. We’re gathering as much information as possible and getting time on the pitch to fully embed the tactical ideas the coach is introducing.” The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, with Scotland set to face Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. Following that, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6.
Scotland’s recent relegation from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they will compete in the second tier of this year’s competition. Ure highlighted the manager’s philosophy: “He wants us to play intelligent football, to identify the spaces, stay compact, and incorporate many other nuances.
It’s still early, but as the weeks progress you’ll start to see the full picture of what he’s trying to implement.” The current squad list 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). Ure’s inclusion underscores the growing trend of Scottish talent seeking development opportunities abroad, a path that can broaden tactical understanding and expose players to varied styles of play.
His time in Belgium and Sweden not only sharpened his finishing instincts but also taught him adaptability—qualities that the new manager values highly as he rebuilds a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Fans can follow the upcoming fixtures: Slovenia vs Scotland on September 26 (kick‑off 2 pm), Scotland vs Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia vs Scotland on October 3 (7.45 pm), and Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm). Additional matches later in the year include Scotland vs North Macedonia on November 13 and Switzerland vs Scotland on November 16, both at 7.45 pm.
The national team’s journey will be closely monitored, with supporters encouraged to stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis, and more. For those looking for extra excitement, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to all participants.