Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby IF, has finally received the senior Scotland jersey he has coveted for years. Having represented both England and Scotland at under‑21 level, Binks said he never needed any persuasion when new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join the first senior squad. "I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has arrived – I’m incredibly proud," he told Sky Sports News. Binks is among a sextet of newcomers handed their inaugural full‑international call‑ups for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
The selection marks a significant shift under Pocognoli, who has already indicated he will not pressure dual‑eligible players to choose Scotland, a stance the defender fully supports. "If a manager had to beg me or anyone else to pick Scotland, it probably isn’t the right thing for the player," Binks explained. "I didn’t need any convincing – I was ready and eager." The defender’s enthusiasm stems from a deep personal connection to the Scottish cause. "It’s where my heart lies and where I want to go.
This has always been the route I wanted to take," he added. Binks’ journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After featuring for England’s under‑21s, he later switched allegiance to Scotland’s youth set‑up, playing for the under‑16s and under‑21s. Those early experiences left a lasting impression.
"When I was with the under‑16s on a trip abroad, the atmosphere was fantastic – it felt like a proper team of mates, not just a collection of players," he recalled. "That vibe made me know Scotland was always the one for me." His recent club career also mirrors the theme of adaptation. Binks moved from English football to Denmark, becoming a mainstay at Brøndby and earning the captain’s armband. The transition required him to adjust to a new league, a different style of play, and a foreign culture – challenges he likens to those facing the national side under a new manager.
"I understand what it’s like to have a new manager at your club; it takes time for everyone to settle in and buy into the system," Binks said. "I imagine the national team is going through a similar process." Pocognoli’s inaugural squad is a blend of fresh faces and seasoned veterans, though many of the players who featured in Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad are absent, either due to injury or omission. Only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams are missing because of injury, while the rest of the roster is largely a re‑building project. The new‑look side will kick off their campaign in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, before traveling to Switzerland for a match at Hampden Park three days later.
Subsequent fixtures include a trip to North Macedonia on 3 October and a home game against Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland’s recent Nations League history has been turbulent.
After a play‑off defeat to Greece last year, the team dropped from League A to League B, meaning they now compete in the second tier. The objective is clear: secure promotion back to the top tier while integrating a wave of new talent. "We want to get back to League A, but there are many new players, a new manager, and new tactics to implement," Binks acknowledged. "It’s about getting everyone on board and believing in the vision the manager sets out." Binks also highlighted the camaraderie that already exists within the squad.
He recalled a previous encounter with fellow defender Aaron Hickey in Bologna, where both were called up while playing abroad. "A few years ago I was in Bologna with Aaron Hickey, and he got the call‑up while we were there. It reminded me that the Scottish set‑up has always felt like home, no matter where we are playing club football," Binks said. The full roster announced by Pocognoli features a mix of domestic and overseas 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, Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino) and Andy Robertson (Tottenham), with Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) also in the mix.
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, the attack includes Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Looking ahead, Scotland’s schedule is packed.
After the September fixtures against Slovenia (26 Sept, 14:00), Switzerland (29 Sept, 19:45), and the October tie with North Macedonia (3 Oct, 19:45), the team returns home for another match against Slovenia on 6 October (19:45). The Nations League continues into November with games against North Macedonia on 13 November (19:45) and Switzerland on 16 November (19:45). Fans can follow the action via Sky Sports’ streaming options, including the Sky Sports app for a personalized video feed.
Binks summed up his feelings succinctly: "It’s where my heart is, and I’m proud to finally wear the shirt. I believe in what we can achieve together, and I’m excited to contribute to Scotland’s push back into the top tier of the Nations League."