Ure thrilled that his unconventional path has secured a maiden Scotland call-up

Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical journey through the football world culminated in a spot on manager Sebastien Pocognoli's inaugural Scotland roster. The 22-year-old forward, who initially honed his skills within the Rangers youth system, found his progress stalled by limited senior opportunities at the Scottish club. Seeking a clearer pathway to first‑team football, he transferred to Belgian giants Anderlecht in 2023, a move he later described as a necessary stepping stone before taking the next big leap.

Ure's stint in Belgium was brief but formative, after which he ventured north to Sweden to join IK Sirius. It was there that his goal‑scoring prowess truly blossomed; he netted 31 goals in just 50 appearances, a strike rate that attracted attention from clubs across the continent during the summer transfer window.

His impressive form earned him a contract with Spanish LaLiga side Sevilla, who paid an initial fee of £5.5 million for his services last month. The rapid ascent from the Scottish academy to the Spanish top flight has now been rewarded with his first senior call‑up for the Scotland national team. Reflecting on his career choices, Ure told Sky Sports News, "At Rangers I didn't believe I could go further and I needed a step before the step and Anderlecht was able to give me that.

Looking back now, it's clear that it was the right decision to make." He acknowledged that his route is somewhat unconventional for a Scottish player, noting, "It's a bit unusual for a Scottish player to take that route. A lot of people think it's only happened in the last four weeks, but for me it's been three years of working hard and moving to different countries and trying to get that opportunity. It's been quite long but it's been enjoyable." Ure also expressed optimism about the new managerial regime in Glasgow.

"I did think there would be opportunities with the new gaffer. I'm happy to be involved in his first camp and hopefully I can show him what I can do," he added. The Scotland squad under Pocognoli represents a significant overhaul, with twelve members of Steve Clarke's World Cup‑ending lineup omitted.

Notably, none of the forwards who have recently moved to Major League Soccer in the United States have been selected, leaving space for Ure to make his mark. The young striker emphasized the need for fresh energy and hard work, stating, "We need to bring a fresh energy, hard work as well and try and play how the new gaffer wants us to play. For the strikers, the obvious one is we want to score goals.

But there's more than that, and we're trying to get as much information and time on the pitch as we can to really implement how the new gaffer wants us to play." Pocognoli's tenure officially begins in Ljubljana on Saturday, with Scotland slated to face Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The team will then travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on 6 October.

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 tactical philosophy of the new coach, saying, "He wants us to play smart football, identify where the spaces are and be close together as well and a lot more things. It's early, and I think as this week and next week go by you'll probably be able to see a little bit more of what he's trying to get across." The full 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). The upcoming fixtures are: - Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September, kick‑off 14:00.

- Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September, kick‑off 19:45. - North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October, kick‑off 19:45. - Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October, kick‑off 19:45.

- Scotland vs North Macedonia on 13 November, kick‑off 19:45. - Switzerland vs Scotland on 16 November, kick‑off 19:45.

Ure's story illustrates how perseverance, willingness to adapt, and seizing opportunities abroad can pave the way back to the national stage, even when the traditional route seems blocked. His journey from the Rangers academy, through Belgium and Sweden, to a high‑profile move to Sevilla, now culminates in the honor of representing Scotland at senior level. As Pocognoli's side prepares for its first matches, Ure hopes his inclusion will not only add depth to the attacking line‑up but also inspire other Scottish talents to consider unconventional pathways in pursuit of their professional ambitions.