Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby, has finally received his first senior call‑up for Scotland, and his reaction is a mixture of pride and long‑standing ambition. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, Binks explained that the chance to wear the Scottish jersey has been a personal goal for many years, and he did not need any persuasion from the new national team manager, Sebastien Pocognoli, to accept the invitation.
"I have wanted to represent Scotland for years and now the opportunity has arrived," Binks said, his voice brimming with emotion. "I’m incredibly proud to be here.
It feels like the place where my heart belongs and the direction I want my career to take." He added that he would not have needed any convincing, noting that the decision was simply a matter of being available and eager when the call came. Pocognoli, who took over the Scotland job earlier this year, has been clear that he will not pressure dual‑eligible players to choose Scotland.
Binks echoed this philosophy, arguing that a player should make the choice organically rather than because someone is trying to sway them. "If a manager had to try and convince me, or anyone, it probably isn’t the right environment for the player," he observed.
The call‑up marks Binks as one of six newcomers to the senior squad for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The squad also includes a handful of familiar faces from his under‑21 days, such as Aaron Hickey, who Binks recalled meeting in Bologna a few years ago when Hickey was summoned to the senior side. "I was playing for the under‑21s at the time, and nothing seemed to be happening, but Scotland was always the team I wanted to play for," Binks reflected. He reminisced about his earlier experiences with the Scotland youth set‑up, describing the atmosphere as "proper team" vibes, where the players felt like mates rather than strangers.
"When I was with the under‑16s, the vibe was amazing – a group of normal lads playing together. That feeling stayed with me, and I have always wanted to return to that camaraderie at the senior level," he said. Scotland’s upcoming schedule under Pocognoli will begin in Ljubljana on Saturday, followed by a home match against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The team will then travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6.
The nation is currently competing in Nations League B after being relegated from Group A following a play‑off loss to Greece last year, and the squad is eager to regain its place among Europe’s elite. Binks acknowledged the challenges of a rebuilding phase, noting that many senior players from Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑qualifying campaign are absent due to injury or omission. Only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams are missing because of injuries, while the rest of the roster represents a fresh blend of talent and new managerial ideas. "Obviously we want to get back to the A group of the Nations League, but there are a lot of new faces, new management, and new ways of playing," he explained.
He drew a parallel between his own club situation and the national team transition, having recently moved to a new manager at Brøndby. "I know what it’s like to adapt to a new coach – it takes time, and I imagine the national team is going through a similar process," Binks said. "It’s about getting everyone on board and buying into the manager’s vision. So far, it feels like the players are fully committed and believe in what we can achieve together for Scotland." The expanded squad list includes a mix of experienced internationals and emerging prospects.
Goalkeepers such as Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Jon McCracken provide depth between the sticks. The defensive line features Binks himself, alongside Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson and Stephen Welsh. Midfield options range from Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson to Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Josh McPake, Lennon Miller and Kristie Montgomery.
Up front, the attacking unit includes Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon‑Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure and James Wilson. Beyond the tactical and personnel aspects, Binks emphasized the personal significance of this milestone. "It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take," he affirmed.
The pride he expressed is not merely about personal achievement but also about representing a nation that has shaped his footballing identity from a young age. Fans can follow the upcoming matches through various platforms, with Sky Sports offering flexible streaming options via its app, and the federation providing updates on WhatsApp.
The fixtures are scheduled as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on September 26 at 14:00, Scotland vs Switzerland on September 29 at 19:45, North Macedonia vs Scotland on October 3 at 19:45, and Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 at 19:45, with additional games in November. In summary, Luis Binks’ first senior call‑up encapsulates a journey that began in youth camps, continued through under‑21 appearances for both Scotland and England, and culminated in a heartfelt acceptance of a senior role under a manager who respects player autonomy. His words reflect a deep‑seated desire to contribute to Scotland’s resurgence on the international stage, and his presence adds both youthful vigor and seasoned experience to a squad aiming to climb back into Nations League A.