Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby IF, has finally received the call he has chased for years: a full senior cap for Scotland. The defender, who has represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sebastien Pocognoli announced his intention to include him in the first squad of his tenure. "I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come. I’m just really proud," Binks told Sky Sports News, a sentiment that resonated throughout the dressing room.
The Scottish side, set to compete in the Nations League against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland, will feature six newcomers, with Binks among the debutants. Pocognoli has been clear that he will not try to sway dual‑eligible players with overt lobbying, a stance that Binks wholeheartedly supports.
"If a manager had to convince me, or anyone, it probably isn’t the right thing for the player," he explained. "I didn’t need any convincing; I was available.
I wanted to play for Scotland. I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I’m just really proud. It’s where your heart is, where you want to go.
This was the route I wanted to take." The new‑look Scotland squad under Pocognoli marks a significant shift from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup roster. Only three players – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams – are missing due to injury, while a dozen others have been left out entirely, making room for fresh talent and a fresh tactical approach.
For Binks, the transition to senior international football feels familiar in some respects. He recalled a previous experience with teammate Aaron Hickey when they were both in Bologna: "A few years ago I was with Aaron Hickey in Bologna and he got called up while we were there. I could play for the U21s at the time and nothing ever came up, but Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for." He reflected on his youth international experiences, noting how the atmosphere at the under‑16 level left a lasting impression. "Going back years ago, under‑16s when I went away with Scotland, the vibe was just so good.
It felt like a proper team, it was just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates, so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Scotland will face Slovenia, before moving to Hampden Park for a clash with Switzerland three days later. The itinerary continues with a trip to North Macedonia on October 3 and a return to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6.
Scotland’s recent demotion from Nations League Group A after a playoff loss to Greece last year means they will be competing in the second tier this season. Binks acknowledged the ambition to regain top‑flight status.
"Obviously we want to get back to the A group of the Nations League, but there are a lot of new faces, a lot of new management, new ways of playing. I know what it’s like because I’ve got a new manager at my club now and it’s taking a bit of time, so I imagine it’s the same sort of process here. It’s just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do.
It’s been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country." Binks’ club career has also been marked by change. After a spell at Leeds United, he moved to Italian side Bologna before joining Brøndby in Denmark, where he quickly established himself as a leader on the back line. His experience of adapting to new leagues, languages and coaching philosophies mirrors the national team’s current rebuilding phase.
The full Scotland squad list, as released by the Scottish FA, includes a blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers. 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). Beyond the on‑field action, the Scottish FA has been promoting fan engagement through platforms such as WhatsApp, offering the latest news, videos, analysis and exclusive content. The upcoming fixtures are set as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on September 26 (2 pm), Scotland vs Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia vs Scotland on October 3 (7.45 pm), Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), Scotland vs North Macedonia on November 13 (7.45 pm), and Switzerland vs Scotland on November 16 (7.45 pm).
In addition to the competitive matches, the Scottish FA has introduced a promotional Super 6 competition, giving supporters a chance to win £1 million by entering for free, further encouraging fan involvement throughout the Nations League campaign. Binks’ debut is not just a personal milestone; it symbolizes the fresh start Scotland hopes to build upon as they aim to climb back to the top tier of European international football.