Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally realised a long‑standing dream: representing Scotland at senior level. The defender, who has previously featured for both the Scotland and England under‑21 sides, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join his inaugural squad.
"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 felt natural rather than forced. Pocognoli, who took over the Scotland job after Steve Clarke's departure, has made a clear statement that he will not try to sway players into choosing the Scottish jersey.
Binks echoed this sentiment, arguing that a player should not be pressured to pick a nation. "If a manager had to convince me, or anyone, it probably wouldn't be the right thing for the player," he explained.
"I didn't need any convincing; I was already available and eager to answer the call." The defender's enthusiasm stems from a deep personal connection to the country. "It's where your heart lies and where you want to go," Binks said. "This was the route I wanted to take." He recalled his earlier experiences with Scotland's youth teams, describing them as formative and enjoyable. "When I was with the under‑16s, the atmosphere was fantastic.
It felt like a proper team of mates, and that feeling has stayed with me. I always knew Scotland was the side I wanted to represent at senior level." Binks is one of six newcomers handed their first full senior caps for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. The squad also includes a handful of familiar faces such as Aaron Hickey, who was called up while both were in Bologna a few years ago.
While the team has undergone a substantial overhaul – twelve players from Clarke's World Cup squad are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing due to injury – the presence of these younger players signals a fresh start under Pocognoli. The upcoming schedule will see Scotland travel to Ljubljana for a match against Slovenia on September 26, followed by a home game against Switzerland at Hampden Park on September 29. After that, the side will head 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 League B after being relegated from League A following a play‑off loss to Greece last year, and the squad’s objective is to regain a place among Europe’s elite.
Binks drew parallels between his club situation and the national team transition. "I know what it's like because I have a new manager at my club now, and it takes time for everyone to adjust. I imagine the same process is happening here," he said.
"It's about getting the players on board, buying into the manager's ideas, and building a collective belief. So far, everyone seems fully committed and confident about what we can achieve as a country." The revamped Scotland roster features a mix of domestic and overseas talent.
Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders range from Binks himself to 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, the squad boasts Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers). Up front, forwards such as Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts) complete the selection. Beyond the on‑field matters, Binks highlighted the emotional aspect of wearing the Scottish shirt.
He recalled a trip to Bologna with Aaron Hickey, where both were playing for under‑21 sides and felt a strong sense of belonging. "Scotland was always the one for me," he repeated, underscoring the personal significance of the call‑up. "Going back to those early days with the under‑16s, the vibe was just so good – like playing with your mates.
I wanted to experience that again at the senior level." As the team prepares for its Nations League campaign, the focus will be on integrating the new players, establishing a cohesive style under Pocognoli, and aiming for promotion back to League A. Binks believes the blend of youthful enthusiasm and experienced leadership will be key. "It's early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country," he concluded. "We want to get back to the top tier, and with this group, I feel we have a real chance."