Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first squad, and it features a notable influx of newcomers. Among the five players receiving their first full senior caps are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brøndby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have impressed with their recent club performances.
The selection also includes Celtic's versatile right‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, all of whom have earned their places for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The announcement also marks the long‑awaited return of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who last appeared for Scotland in 2021. His recall reflects a resurgence in form after a difficult period that saw him fall out of favor.
In goal, veteran Scott Bain and promising youngster Jon McCracken have been called back following the retirement of long‑time stalwart Craig Gordon after the World Cup. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is back in the mix after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from Steve Clarke’s final squad. Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland’s pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee, also makes the list.
The Stoke City defender has already amassed three caps at under‑21 level and has been an ever‑present figure as the Potters secured three wins and a draw in their last four Championship outings. Further additions include Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese’s Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch. Notably absent are Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who is recovering from minor heart surgery, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland, sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Torino forward Che Adams is also out injured. Overall, twelve members of the World Cup‑qualified squad are missing from Pocognoli’s inaugural selection.
This group includes 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. Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old captain of Danish Superliga side Brøndby, brings a unique background to the team. He represented Scotland at under‑18 level before switching allegiance to England’s youth set‑ups, and now returns to the senior side under a manager who values versatility and tactical flexibility. Robbie Ure, a former Rangers academy product, secured a high‑profile transfer to La Liga club Sevilla after a prolific spell at Swedish side Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in as many games.
At 22, Ure is also eligible to represent Ukraine through a grandparent, adding an extra layer of international intrigue to his profile. Josh McPake’s inclusion rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts during the summer window. His pace and creativity on the wing have been pivotal for the Edinburgh club. Stephen Welsh earns his call‑up after a successful loan at Motherwell from Celtic, where he demonstrated maturity and defensive solidity.
Colby Donovan, a regular starter for Celtic this season, replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national set‑up, offering a reliable option at right‑back. The full goalkeeper roster now lists Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City), providing a blend of experience and youth between the posts.
Defensive options are plentiful: 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), Kieran Tierney (Celtic) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). The midfield pool features Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts) and Lennon Miller (Udinese). Up front, the attacking line‑up includes Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Speaking after the squad reveal, Pocognoli emphasized his philosophy: "The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch.
My selections are driven by that vision. I could have named many more players, but I had to make tough choices based on the system we intend to use, injury status and recent playing time.
We have a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, fresh faces, first‑cap players and those returning from setbacks. The goal is to integrate new talent while preserving the DNA, heritage and culture of Scottish football. This is the start of a new chapter; what happened before is history, and now we build something new.
It’s an opportunity for some and a fresh beginning for others. Ultimately, it will be about performance on the field and the right attitude off it." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: "Robbie has been on our radar for his form in Sweden, especially leading up to the World Cup, but missed out previously. His move to Sevilla proves he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has struggled for depth in attack for years, and his unconventional path shows courage and determination. He deserves respect for forging his own career abroad and now earning this chance." Regarding McBurnie’s recall, McFadden added: "Oli has earned his opportunity. There’s been some backlash against him over recent years, but his passion for wearing the Scottish shirt is evident. He’s been patient, worked hard away from home, and now his performances in the Premier League warrant a look.
He could well become the number nine we need." The upcoming fixtures for Pocognoli’s side include a Nations League clash with Slovenia on 26 September at 14:00, followed by a match against Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45. Further games are scheduled against North Macedonia on 3 October (19:45), a return fixture with Slovenia on 6 October (19:45), another encounter with North Macedonia on 13 November (19:45) and a final showdown with Switzerland on 16 November (19:45). Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, analysis and more. In addition to the competitive matches, a promotional Super 6 competition offers participants a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available through the official channels.
The expanded squad reflects Pocognoli’s intent to blend experience with youthful energy, aiming to revitalize Scotland’s international fortunes and deliver an exciting brand of football for supporters worldwide.