Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical journey through the football world culminated in a call‑up to Sebastien Pocognoli’s inaugural Scotland squad. The 22‑year‑old forward, who originally honed his skills within the Rangers youth system, found his progress stalled by limited senior opportunities at the Scottish giants. Seeking a clearer route to first‑team football, he made the bold decision to move abroad, signing for Belgian side Anderlecht in 2023. Ure’s stint in Belgium proved to be a valuable stepping‑stone, but it was his subsequent spell in Sweden that truly ignited interest from across the continent.
While playing for IK Sirius, the striker displayed a prolific scoring record, netting 31 goals in just 50 appearances. That strike rate caught the eye of scouts from several European leagues, and during the summer transfer window he secured a move to La Liga club Sevilla for an initial fee reported to be around £5.5 million. The rapid ascent from the Scottish academy to one of Spain’s top divisions has now been rewarded with Ure’s first senior call‑up for the national team.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on the choices that shaped his career: “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. Looking back now, it’s clear that it was the right decision to make.” He acknowledged that his route is unusual 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, moving to different countries and trying to get that opportunity. It’s been quite a long journey, but it’s been enjoyable,” Ure explained. Ure also expressed optimism about the new managerial era under Pocognoli. “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.” The Scotland side under Pocognoli is markedly different from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup squad, with twelve of Clarke’s players omitted. Notably, none of the forwards who have transferred to Major League Soccer are included, leaving space for Ure to stake his claim.
He highlighted the need for fresh energy and hard work, aligning with the new coach’s philosophy. “We need to bring a fresh energy, hard work as well and try and play how the new gaffer wants us to play,” he said. “For the strikers, the obvious one is we want to score goals.
But there’s more than that, and we’re trying to get as much information and time on the pitch as we can to really implement how the new gaffer wants us to play.” Pocognoli’s tenure officially begins with a training camp in Ljubljana on Saturday, followed by a home friendly against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The squad will then travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second fixture against 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. Ure described Pocognoli’s tactical vision: “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 Scotland roster for the upcoming internationals 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 up‑to‑date via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. The upcoming fixtures are scheduled as follows: 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 Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45. Later in the year, Scotland will meet North Macedonia again on 13 November and host Switzerland on 16 November, both kick‑offs at 19:45.
In addition to the football action, supporters are invited to participate in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available through the official channels.