Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby IF, has finally realised a long‑standing ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. The defender, who has previously featured for both the Scotland and England under‑21 sides, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join the first‑team squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. "I’ve wanted to wear the Scotland jersey for years, and now the chance has arrived.
I’m incredibly proud," Binks told Sky Sports News. "It’s where my heart lies, and it’s the path I always wanted to take." Binks is among six newcomers handed their inaugural full‑international caps for the matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. Pocognoli, who took over after Steve Clarke’s tenure ended, has made it clear he will not pressure dual‑eligible players to choose Scotland, a stance that resonated with the Danish‑born, English‑raised defender. "If a manager had to beg or convince me, it probably wouldn’t be the right environment for a player," Binks explained.
"I was ready and willing without any extra urging." The selection marks a fresh chapter for Scotland, as twelve members of Clarke’s World Cup‑ending squad are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing due to injury. While the squad is largely new, Binks noted there are familiar faces that make the transition smoother. He recalled a previous encounter with fellow defender Aaron Hickey in Bologna, where Hickey received his own call‑up while the two were training together.
"Back then I was still playing for the under‑21s and nothing else materialised, but Scotland has always been my first love," Binks said. He reflected on his youth experiences with the Scottish under‑16s, describing the atmosphere as "proper team‑spirit" and "like playing with mates". That camaraderie, he believes, is something he hopes to recapture at senior level. "The vibe was always great, and I wanted to be part of that again," he added.
Pocognoli’s tenure officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Scotland face Slovenia. Three days later the team will travel to Hampden Park for a clash with Switzerland, followed by a trip to North Macedonia on October 3 and a return to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6. The squad’s schedule also includes future fixtures against North Macedonia on November 13 and Switzerland on November 16 as part of the Nations League’s Group B campaign. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year, and the current objective is to regain a place among Europe’s elite.
Binks acknowledged the challenge, noting the influx of new players and a new coaching philosophy will require time to gel. "It’s similar to what I’m experiencing at my club with a new manager – it takes a while for everyone to adapt," he said. "The key is getting the players on board and buying into the manager’s vision. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we all believe in what we can achieve for the country." The expanded roster features a blend of seasoned internationals and promising talent.
Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive line showcases Binks alongside 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, the attack is bolstered by Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts).
Beyond the on‑field matters, Binks highlighted the personal significance of the call‑up. Growing up in Denmark with Scottish heritage, he often felt torn between two footballing cultures. Yet the pull of the Scottish badge, reinforced by early youth experiences and a sense of belonging, proved decisive.
"When you think about where you feel most at home, that’s where you want to give your best," he said. "For me, that’s Scotland." Fans can follow the team's progress through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including the Sky Sports app for live streaming and a dedicated WhatsApp channel for news, videos, analysis and more. The upcoming fixtures promise a mix of challenges: a tightly contested match against Slovenia on September 26 at 14:00, a high‑profile showdown with Switzerland on September 29 at 19:45, and the crucial away game versus North Macedonia on October 3, also at 19:45.
The campaign concludes with a home fixture against Slovenia on October 6 at 19:45, before the November dates. As Scotland embarks on this new era under Pocognoli, the optimism expressed by Binks and his teammates underscores a collective belief that, with determination and unity, they can climb back to the top tier of the Nations League and perhaps, one day, return to the World Cup stage.