Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally achieved a lifelong ambition: earning his first senior cap for Scotland. The defender, who previously represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, said the decision to join Sebastien Pocognoli’s inaugural squad was instinctive and required no persuasion.
"I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has arrived. I’m genuinely proud," Binks told Sky Sports News. Pocognoli, the new head coach of the national side, announced a refreshed roster for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Six players, including Binks, received their maiden senior call‑ups, signalling a clear shift in direction after a disappointing campaign that saw Scotland relegated from League A following a play‑off loss to Greece. Only three members of Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑ending squad – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams – remain, the latter two sidelined by injury. The young defender made it clear that he never needed any coaxing from the coach. "If a manager had to try and convince me, I think that would be the wrong approach for any player," Binks explained.
"I was already available and eager. I have always wanted to wear the Scottish jersey; this is the moment I have been waiting for, and I feel a great sense of pride." He added that his choice was guided by where his heart lies.
"It’s about where you feel you belong and where you want to go. This was the path I wanted to follow," he said, emphasizing that his allegiance to Scotland has never wavered despite his dual‑national background. Binks also reflected on his previous experiences within the Scottish set‑up, recalling a trip to Bologna with teammate Aaron Hickey.
"A few years ago I was in Italy with Aaron Hickey, and he received a call‑up while we were there. At the time I was still playing for the under‑21s and nothing more was happening, but Scotland has always been the team I wanted to represent," he recalled.
He reminisced about his under‑16 days, describing the atmosphere as "proper" and "like playing with mates," which cemented his desire to return to that camaraderie at senior level. The upcoming schedule sees Pocognoli’s side depart for Ljubljana on Saturday for the match against Switzerland, followed by a trip to North Macedonia on 3 October and a return to Glasgow for the second Slovenia clash on 6 October. The fixtures are crucial for Scotland’s aim to regain a place in League A, and Binks believes the fresh influx of talent and new coaching philosophy will be key. "We want to get back to League A, but there are many new faces, a new manager and new playing ideas," he said.
Drawing a parallel with his own club situation, Binks noted, "I’ve just had a new manager at Brøndby, and it takes time for everyone to adapt. I imagine the national team is going through a similar adjustment period.
It’s about getting the players on board and buying into the manager’s vision." He expressed confidence that the squad is already united behind a common goal. "It’s still early days, but everyone seems fully committed and believes in what we can achieve for Scotland," Binks added. The full squad list announced by Pocognoli includes a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging prospects. Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers).
Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Binks’ story illustrates the personal dimension behind international selection – a blend of heritage, aspiration and emotional connection.
While the road ahead will be challenging, especially as Scotland seeks to climb back to the top tier of the Nations League, the defender’s enthusiasm and sense of belonging suggest he will embrace the task with determination. Fans can look forward to seeing him and his new teammates compete in the upcoming matches, starting with Slovenia on 26 September (kick‑off 14:00), followed by Switzerland on 29 September (19:45), North Macedonia on 3 October (19:45), and a return fixture with Slovenia on 6 October (19:45). Subsequent fixtures in November will see Scotland face North Macedonia again on the 13th and Switzerland on the 16th, both at 19:45.
The national side hopes that this fresh chapter, bolstered by players like Binks who are eager to serve their country, will restore Scotland’s standing on the European stage.