Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old defender who captains Brøndby, has finally realised a lifelong ambition: representing Scotland at senior level. The young centre‑half, who has previously featured for both the Scottish and English under‑21 sides, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
"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, emphasizing that the decision was instinctive rather than the result of a recruitment campaign. Pocognoli, who took over from Steve Clarke after the World Cup, has taken a bold step by handing six uncapped players their first full‑international call‑ups.
Binks is among those selected for the matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The coach has publicly stated he will not try to sway dual‑nationality players to choose Scotland, a stance that resonates with Binks. "If he had to try and convince me, or anyone, I think that wouldn't be the right approach for a player," the defender explained. "I didn't need any convincing; I was ready and eager to answer the call." The sentiment behind Binks' words goes beyond a simple career move.
He described Scotland as the place where his heart lies, the nation he has always wanted to represent. "It's where you feel your heart is and where you want to go.
This was the route I wanted to take," he said, underscoring the personal significance of the selection. Scotland's new era under Pocognoli looks markedly different from Clarke's tenure.
Twelve members of the previous World Cup squad are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing due to injury. Despite the overhaul, Binks will find some familiar faces in the camp, including Aaron Hickey, with whom he shared a memorable moment in Bologna a few years ago when Hickey received his own call‑up while the two were abroad. Reflecting on his youth international experiences, Binks recalled a trip with the Scotland under‑16s that 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, just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates. I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again," he said.
The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Scotland will face Slovenia. The team then travels to Hampden Park for a clash with Switzerland three days later, before heading to North Macedonia on October 3 and returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6. After a disappointing play‑off loss to Greece that saw Scotland relegated from Nations League A, the side is eager to climb back to the top tier.
Binks highlighted the challenges of adapting to new management, drawing parallels with his club situation. "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," he said. He believes the squad is already fully committed and confident in what they can achieve as a nation.
The current Scotland squad features a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh talent. Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City).
The defensive line comprises 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). In midfield, players such as Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers) are set to feature. Up front, the attacking options include Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts).
Fans can keep up with the latest developments via Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel, which provides news, video highlights, analysis and more. The upcoming 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, Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 at 19:45, Scotland vs North Macedonia on November 13 at 19:45, and Switzerland vs Scotland on November 16 at 19:45.
Additionally, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for participants. Overall, Binks' selection epitomises the blend of ambition, heritage and fresh enthusiasm that Pocognoli hopes will propel Scotland back to the top of European football. His pride in donning the national shirt reflects a broader narrative of players choosing Scotland not out of convenience, but because of genuine affection for the country and its footballing culture.