Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical football journey culminated in a place on Sebastien Pocognoli’s inaugural Scotland squad. The 22‑year‑old forward’s career has been a series of bold moves, each designed to maximise playing time and development, and it has now paid off with a senior international invitation. Ure began his football education in the Rangers academy, one of Scotland’s most storied youth systems. However, when first‑team chances proved elusive, he decided that staying put would hinder his progress.
In 2023 he made the decisive leap to Belgium, signing for Anderlecht in search of regular senior football. The Belgian club offered a platform that Rangers could not at the time, and Ure quickly realised that the change of environment was exactly what his career needed. After a stint in Belgium, Ure’s next adventure took him north to Sweden, where he joined IK Sirius.
The Swedish league proved to be a fertile ground for his talents; over the course of 50 appearances he found the net 31 times, a strike‑rate that attracted attention from clubs throughout Europe. His prolific form in the Allsvenskan demonstrated that he could adapt to different styles of play and still deliver goals consistently. The summer transfer window saw Ure’s reputation grow further, and he eventually secured a move to LaLiga side Sevilla.
The Andalusian club paid an initial fee of £5.5 million for the young striker, a clear indication of the belief they have in his potential. The transfer not only marked a significant step up in terms of league quality but also placed him on a stage where his performances would be scrutinised by a global audience. Ure’s rapid ascent did not go unnoticed by the Scottish national team management.
Pocognoli, who has been reshaping the squad after a substantial turnover from Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑ending lineup, selected Ure for his first senior camp. "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," Ure told Sky Sports News. He reflected on his decision, adding, "Looking back now, it’s clear that it was the right decision to make." He acknowledged that his route is uncommon for a Scottish player.
"It’s a bit unusual for a Scottish player to take that route. 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 hinted at his optimism regarding the new manager’s plans: "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." Pocognoli’s Scotland is a markedly different side, with twelve players from Clarke’s final World Cup squad omitted. Notably, none of the forwards who have transferred to Major League Soccer are in the current list, leaving space for emerging talents like Ure to stake a claim. "We need to bring a fresh energy, hard work as well and try and play how the new gaffer wants us to play," Ure explained. He stressed that while scoring is the primary aim for any striker, the team’s broader objectives include implementing the manager’s tactical vision and gaining as much on‑pitch experience as possible.
The new coaching era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, followed by a home fixture against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. After those matches, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland’s recent demotion from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they will be competing in the second tier this season, adding extra motivation to prove themselves. Ure also commented on Pocognoli’s footballing philosophy: "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 squad list showcases a blend 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 features 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).
In midfield, 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 vie for places. 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.
Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. Upcoming fixtures include Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September at 2 pm, Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September at 7.45 pm, North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October at 7.45 pm, and Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October at 7.45 pm, with additional November dates against North Macedonia and Switzerland later in the month.
The Scottish FA also promotes a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, encouraging supporters to engage further with the national team’s journey.