Robbie Ure expressed genuine excitement after his atypical journey through the football world culminated in a place on Sebastien Pocognoli’s inaugural Scotland squad. The 22‑year‑old forward’s career trajectory has been anything but ordinary, beginning in the youth ranks of Rangers before a scarcity of first‑team chances prompted a move abroad to Belgium’s Anderlecht in 2023.
After a brief stint in Belgium, Ure ventured north to Sweden, joining IK Sirius where he struck an impressive 31 goals in 50 appearances. His prolific scoring record caught the eye of clubs across the continent, and in the summer he secured a transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla for an initial fee of £5.5 million. Ure’s rapid ascent did not go unnoticed by the national team selectors, and he was handed his first senior call‑up for Scotland.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on the decisions that shaped his career: “At Rangers I didn’t feel I could progress further, so I needed an intermediate step. Anderlecht gave me that platform.” He added that, in hindsight, the move was unquestionably the right one. “It’s unusual for a Scottish player to take this route,” he acknowledged, noting that many observers assume his journey began only a few weeks ago.
In reality, it has been three years of relentless hard work, adapting to new cultures, and chasing the dream of international football. The young striker emphasized the satisfaction he has found in his unconventional path, describing it as a lengthy but enjoyable process.
He also expressed optimism about the upcoming training camp under the new manager, hoping to demonstrate his abilities and earn a regular spot. “I expected opportunities under the new boss, and I’m delighted to be part of his first camp. I hope I can show him what I’m capable of,” he said.
Pocognoli’s first‑team selection represents a clear departure from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup roster, with twelve former regulars omitted. Notably, none of the forwards who have moved to Major League Soccer are included, leaving room for Ure to seize the moment. He highlighted the need for fresh energy and a strong work ethic, aligning with the new manager’s vision. “We must bring a new dynamism, work hard, and execute the style the coach wants us to play,” Ure explained.
“For strikers, the primary goal is to score, but there’s more to it. We’re gathering as much information and match time as possible to fully embed the coach’s tactics.” The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, with Scotland set to face Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. After that, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6.
Scotland’s recent demotion from Nations League A after a playoff loss to Greece means they will compete in the second tier of this year’s competition. Ure described the new manager’s philosophy as “smart football – identifying spaces, staying compact, and many other nuances.” He believes that as the weeks progress, the team’s playing style will become clearer. “It’s early days, but as this week and the next go by, you’ll start to see more of what he’s trying to implement.” The full Scotland squad 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 September 26 at 2 pm, Scotland vs Switzerland on September 29 at 7.45 pm, North Macedonia vs Scotland on October 3 at 7.45 pm, Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 at 7.45 pm, followed by further matches in November. Additionally, supporters are invited to participate in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available.