Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical journey through the football world culminated in a place on Sebastien Pocognoli's inaugural Scotland roster. The 22‑year‑old forward, who initially honed his skills within the Rangers youth system, found his progress stalled by limited senior opportunities, prompting a decisive move abroad in 2023 when he signed for Belgian giants Anderlecht. After a brief stint in Belgium, Ure ventured north to Sweden, joining IK Sirius.
It was there that he truly began to shine, netting an impressive 31 goals across 50 appearances. His prolific scoring record quickly attracted interest from clubs throughout the continent, and during the summer transfer window he secured a move to Spanish LaLiga side Sevilla for a reported fee of £5.5 million. The rapid ascent from a promising academy prospect to a player in one of Europe's top leagues has now been rewarded with his first senior call‑up for Scotland. "At Rangers I felt I had reached a ceiling and needed a stepping‑stone before taking the next big leap.
Anderlecht offered that platform," Ure explained to Sky Sports News. "Looking back, it’s crystal clear that the decision was the right one." He acknowledged that his route is far from typical for a Scottish footballer.
"People often assume this kind of overseas adventure has only happened in the last few weeks, but for me it’s been three years of hard work, relocating to different countries and constantly chasing the chance to prove myself," he said. "It’s been a long road, but an enjoyable one." Ure also hinted at his optimism regarding the new national team manager. "I expected there would be opportunities under the new boss, and I’m delighted to be part of his first training camp. I hope to demonstrate what I can contribute on the pitch," he added.
Pocognoli’s Scotland squad marks a clear departure from the side that Steve Clarke led to the World Cup, with twelve former Clarke regulars omitted. Notably, none of the forwards who have been plying their trade in Major League Soccer made the list, opening a window for Ure to stake his claim.
"We need fresh energy, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to adapt to the style the new manager wants us to play," Ure remarked. "For strikers, the obvious goal is to score, but there’s more to it – we want to gather as much information as possible and maximize our time on the field to fully embody the coach’s vision." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, with Scotland set to face Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The team will then travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on 6 October.
Scotland’s recent demotion from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they will compete in the second tier of this year’s competition. "He wants us to play intelligent football, identify the spaces, stay compact, and incorporate many other tactical nuances," Ure observed. "It’s early days, but as the weeks progress you’ll see more of what he’s trying to implement." 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). Fans can stay updated via 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 14:00, Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, and a return clash with Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45. Further matches are scheduled for November, with Scotland taking on North Macedonia on 13 November and Switzerland on 16 November, both kick‑offs at 19:45. In addition to the on‑field action, supporters have the chance to enter the Super 6 competition for a shot at a £1 million prize, with free entry available online.