Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally realised a lifelong ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. Although he has featured for both the Scottish and English under‑21 sides, the defender says he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sebastien Pocognoli invited him to join his inaugural squad for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Binks was one of six newcomers handed a full senior call‑up for the upcoming matches, a clear signal that Pocognoli is reshaping the roster after the disappointment of missing the World Cup and the subsequent relegation from League A. The Scottish side will be missing 12 players who featured in Steve Clarke's final World Cup squad, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams unavailable due to injury. In this context, Binks' enthusiasm and sense of belonging stand out. "I didn't need any convincing; I was available," Binks told Sky Sports News.
"I wanted to play for Scotland. I've wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I'm just really proud. It's where your heart is and where you want to go.
This was the route I wanted to take." His remarks echo Pocognoli's own philosophy that players should not be pressured into choosing a national allegiance. The Belgian‑born coach has made it clear that he will not beg anyone to switch, a stance that Binks wholeheartedly supports. "If he had to try and convince me, convince anyone, it's probably not the right thing for the player," Binks said, underscoring his belief that national representation must be a personal decision. Binks' journey to the senior squad has been anything but straightforward.
He first appeared for Scotland at under‑16 level, traveling with the youngsters and describing the experience as "the vibe was just so good". He felt an instant camaraderie, noting that the team felt like a group of mates rather than a collection of strangers. Those early memories left a lasting impression, and even when he later represented England's under‑21s, the pull of Scotland remained strong.
"It felt like a proper team, it was just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates, so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again," he recalled. A few years later, while playing in Bologna, Binks was alongside fellow Scottish defender Aaron Hickey. Hickey received a senior call‑up during their time in Italy, reinforcing Binks' conviction that his own path would eventually lead to the senior jersey.
The upcoming Nations League campaign will see Scotland embark on a busy schedule. The first match under Pocognoli's tenure will be in Ljubljana against Slovenia on September 26, followed by a high‑profile clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park on September 29. After that, the team will travel to Skopje for the North Macedonia game on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6. Later in the year, additional fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland are slated for November.
Scotland's recent demotion to League B after a play‑off loss to Greece last year adds extra pressure to the squad. The players and coaching staff are eager to regain their place in the top tier. Binks acknowledges the challenge, noting that the transition mirrors the adjustments he is experiencing at club level after moving 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," he explained. "It's just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do.
It's been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country." The squad list released by the Scottish FA includes a mix of seasoned internationals and fresh faces. Goalkeepers such as Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City) will compete for the starting spot. The defensive line features not only Binks but also 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).
In midfield, the likes of Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers) will provide creativity and work‑rate. Up front, Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts) round out the attacking options. Beyond the tactical considerations, Binks emphasizes the emotional significance of wearing the Scottish shirt. For him, it is not merely a professional milestone but a fulfilment of a personal dream nurtured since his teenage years.
He hopes his story will inspire other dual‑nationality players to follow their hearts rather than succumbing to external pressures. Fans can keep up with the team's progress via Sky Sports' flexible streaming options, including the Sky Sports app, which offers a personalized video feed. The association also encourages supporters to follow their official WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and exclusive content. As the nation looks ahead to the Nations League, the overarching goal remains clear: secure promotion back to League A and re‑establish Scotland as a competitive force on the European stage.
With a blend of experienced leaders, emerging talent like Binks, and a manager willing to give opportunities based on merit, the Scottish side appears poised to embark on a promising new chapter.