Luis Binks could hardly contain his excitement when he received his first senior call‑up for Scotland. "I've wanted to wear the Scottish shirt for years and now the chance has finally arrived.
I feel incredibly proud," the 25‑year‑old defender said. Binks, who has previously represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, explained that he never needed any persuasion when new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join the squad for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The Brøndby captain is one of six newcomers to be handed a full senior cap under Pocognoli’s fresh‑look side. The coach has made it clear that he will not try to sway players into choosing Scotland, a stance that resonates with Binks.
"If a manager had to beg a player to pick a nation, I think that isn’t the right approach for anyone involved," Binks told Sky Sports News. "I was already ready and willing. I have always wanted to play for Scotland, and now the opportunity is here – I’m genuinely proud." When asked why Scotland feels like the right destination, Binks answered with heartfelt conviction: "It’s where my heart lies, where I see my future.
This is the path I have always wanted to follow." His words underline a deep personal connection to the country, forged through years of youth internationals and a lingering sense of belonging. Pocognoli’s inaugural squad marks a significant departure from the previous regime.
Twelve members of Steve Clarke’s final World Cup roster are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing due to injury. While the overall environment is new for Binks, he will find familiar faces among his teammates. He recalled a previous episode in Bologna, where he and fellow Scottish youngster Aaron Hickey were both summoned to the senior set‑up.
"Back then I was still playing for the under‑21s and nothing seemed to materialise, but I always felt Scotland was the team I wanted to represent," Binks reflected. He also reminisced about his time with the under‑16s, describing the atmosphere as "genuine and friendly, like playing with mates".
That sense of camaraderie, he believes, is what draws him back now as an adult. "The vibe was always positive, a proper team spirit.
I wanted to experience that again at the senior level," he added. The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, with Scotland set to face Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The itinerary continues with a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, before returning to Glasgow for a second clash with Slovenia on October 6. After a disappointing play‑off loss to Greece last year, Scotland were relegated from Nations League A and will be competing in the second tier this season.
The squad’s ambition is clear: regain a place among the elite. Binks highlighted the parallels between his club situation and the national team’s transition. "I have a new manager at my club, and it takes time for everyone to adapt.
I imagine the national set‑up is going through a similar process," he said. "It’s about getting the players on board, embracing the manager’s philosophy, and building a collective belief in what we can achieve for Scotland." He emphasised that despite the early stages, the squad appears united and motivated. "Everyone seems fully committed and believes in the potential we have as a nation," Binks affirmed. Below is the full list of players named in the current Scotland squad: 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 Hotspur), 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 on the upcoming fixtures via Sky Sports’ streaming options, including the Sky Sports app for a personalised video feed.
The schedule is as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, kickoff 14:00 - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, kickoff 19:45 - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, kickoff 19:45 - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, kickoff 19:45 - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, kickoff 19:45 - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, kickoff 19:45 The nation’s supporters are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more. Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available for fans eager to engage with the team’s journey.