Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical journey through the football world culminated in a selection for the inaugural Scotland squad overseen by manager Sebastien Pocognoli. The 22‑year‑old forward’s career trajectory has been anything but ordinary, beginning in the youth ranks of Rangers before a scarcity of senior opportunities prompted a bold move abroad.
In 2023, Ure left his native Scotland for Belgian giants Anderlecht, hoping to accelerate his development in a more competitive environment. After a stint in Belgium, the striker ventured north to Sweden, signing for IK Sirius. It was there that he truly announced his arrival on the European stage, netting an impressive 31 goals in just 50 appearances.
His prolific scoring record attracted interest from clubs throughout the continent, and during the summer transfer window he secured a high‑profile move to LaLiga side Sevilla. The Andalusian club paid an initial fee of £5.5 million for the young forward, a testament to his rising reputation. Ure’s rapid ascent did not go unnoticed by the national team hierarchy. Earlier this month he received his first senior call‑up for Scotland, a milestone that he described as a validation of the hard work and sacrifices made over the past three years.
"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," he told Sky Sports News. Reflecting on his decisions, he added, "Looking back now, it’s clear that it was the right decision to make." He acknowledged that his route is unusual for a Scottish player.
While many fans might assume his overseas adventure began only recently, Ure clarified that it has been a three‑year odyssey involving multiple relocations and cultural adjustments. "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," he said. Ure also spoke about his expectations under the new manager.
He was pleased to be part of Pocognoli’s first training camp and eager to demonstrate his abilities. "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 explained.
The Scottish side under Pocognoli is undergoing a substantial overhaul, with twelve players from Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑ending squad omitted, and none of the forwards who have taken up contracts in Major League Soccer making the list. This creates space for emerging talents like Ure to stake a claim.
The young striker emphasized the need for fresh energy, diligence, and adherence to the tactical philosophy of the new boss. "We need to bring a fresh energy, hard work as well and try and play how the new gaffer wants us to play," he added. When asked about his role as a forward, Ure was pragmatic: "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, where Scotland will face Slovenia in a friendly before a crucial Euro qualifier against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The squad will then travel to North Macedonia on 3 October and return 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 the competition this year.
Ure highlighted the tactical directives he has received: "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 Scotland roster features a blend of domestic and international talent.
Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive line comprises 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). Midfield options feature Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers). Up front, alongside Ure, are Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City) and James Wilson (Hearts).
Scotland’s upcoming fixtures are slated as follows: Slovenia versus Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland versus Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia versus Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, and a home match against Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45. Later in the year, the team will meet North Macedonia again on 13 November and host Switzerland on 16 November, both kick‑offs set for 19:45. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. Robbie Ure’s story exemplifies how perseverance, strategic career moves and adaptability can open doors at the highest level of the sport.
His inclusion in the national squad not only rewards his personal ambition but also signals a broader shift in Scottish football, where managers are increasingly willing to look beyond traditional pathways and embrace talent cultivated across Europe. As the new campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Ure and his teammates to see whether this fresh approach can translate into success on the international stage.