Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby, has finally earned his first senior call‑up for Scotland. The defender, who has previously represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli approached him for the squad. "I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the chance has arrived – I’m incredibly proud," Binks told Sky Sports News.
Binks is among a group of six newcomers to the senior side for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The selection marks a significant shift in the squad, with twelve players from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup roster absent, leaving only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams sidelined through injury. Pocognoli has been clear that he will not pressure dual‑eligible players to pick Scotland, a stance that resonated with Binks.
"If someone had to try to convince me, it probably wouldn’t be right for the player," the defender explained. "I didn’t need any convincing – I was ready and eager." He went on to describe his emotional connection to the nation: "It’s where my heart lies, the place I want to represent. This is the path I have always wanted to follow." Binks’ journey with Scotland began at youth level.
He recalled a memorable trip to Bologna with fellow Scottish youngster Aaron Hickey, where both received senior call‑ups while playing abroad. "Back then I was still eligible for the under‑21s and nothing seemed to happen, but Scotland was always the team I wanted to play for," he said. "When I was with the under‑16s on a training camp, the atmosphere felt like a proper family – normal lads, mates playing together. That feeling stuck with me, and I’ve always wanted to return to that environment." The upcoming Pocognoli era kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
The squad will then travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last season and now compete in the second tier. Binks acknowledged the ambition to climb back up: "We want to get back into Group A, but there are many new faces, a new manager and fresh tactics.
It’s a process, similar to what I’m experiencing at my club with a new boss. It takes time for everyone to adapt and buy into the manager’s vision." He added, "It’s early days, but the squad is fully committed and believes in what we can achieve as a nation." The full squad list includes: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), 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), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers) Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts) The schedule for the Nations League campaign is as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 GMT - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 GMT - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 GMT - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 GMT Binks’ excitement reflects a broader sense of optimism among the new‑look squad. While the transition to a new coaching team and a different tactical approach presents challenges, the players appear united by a shared desire to restore Scotland’s standing in international football.
As Binks put it, "It’s about getting everyone on board, embracing the manager’s ideas, and believing that we can succeed together for our country."