Hull City forward Oli McBurnie has received a recall to the Scotland squad for the first time in five years, joining seven uncapped players in new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli's inaugural selection. The 30-year-old striker, who last represented his country in 2021, features alongside first-time call-ups Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake, Stephen Welsh and Kieron Bowie, signalling Pocognoli's intention to blend experience with fresh talent as he begins his tenure.
Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla forward Robbie Ure also earn their first senior caps in what represents a significant squad refresh following Scotland's failure to progress beyond the group stage at the recent World Cup. The appointment of Pocognoli in August marked a turning point for the national team, with the Belgian tasked with revitalising a squad that had grown stale under his predecessor Steve Clarke.
McBurnie's absence from international football has lasted considerably longer than many observers anticipated. Having made his debut in 2018, he accumulated 16 caps but never found the net for Scotland, though he did convert one of the penalties in the shootout that secured qualification for Euro 2020. His return comes after consistent performances at club level, where he has demonstrated the form that prompted Pocognoli to overlook his lengthy absence from the international stage.
Pocognoli explained his selection philosophy in terms of tactical requirements rather than sentiment.
It's a new opportunity for some players, a really new beginning for the other ones. I have to start a new journey, start a new book. The most important is regarding the style of play that I want to produce on the pitch.The new manager emphasised that his choices reflected the demands of his preferred system, with playing time and current performances also factoring into his deliberations.
The squad announcement represents the culmination of weeks of speculation about which players would feature in Pocognoli's first camp. Prior coverage had outlined the tension between wholesale changes and maintaining continuity, with numerous uncapped and out-of-favour players hoping for recognition. The final selection suggests Pocognoli has opted for a measured approach, retaining experienced internationals while introducing new faces strategically.
Who are the new faces?
Among the uncapped players, Binks stands out as a 25-year-old who has previously represented both England and Scotland at age-group level. The Brondby defender's inclusion came after Pocognoli judged
the timing was right with him, indicating a longer-term view of his international development. Donovan, a 20-year-old right-back at Celtic, has gained prominence this season by deputising for injured Canada international Alistair Johnston. Like McBurnie, he has progressed through Scotland's youth system, holding under-19 and under-21 caps.
Graham's elevation to senior level follows a breakthrough campaign with Dundee, where the 22-year-old won both the Scottish Premiership club's players' player and young player of the year awards. He featured as an unused substitute in Scotland's final warm-up friendly under Clarke, a 1-0 victory against Curacao at Hampden Park. Since joining Stoke City, Graham has established himself as an ever-present in the Championship, with the club unbeaten in their last four matches. His three under-21 caps suggest a player ready for the step up to senior football.
Ure's inclusion carries particular significance given his recent trajectory. The 22-year-old former Rangers academy product enjoyed a prolific spell in Swedish football, scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in 20 matches as Sirius topped their domestic table. This form attracted interest across Europe and resulted in a £5.5 million summer transfer to Sevilla. Though he has yet to score in La Liga, Pocognoli appears keen to secure his commitment to Scotland given his eligibility to represent Ukraine, making an early senior call-up a strategic move.
Which established players return or miss out?
Several players previously overlooked or sidelined have been recalled. Scott Bain, the Falkirk goalkeeper with four senior caps, returns after featuring in squads named by Clarke. Josh Doig, the Udinese left-back aged 24, also comes back into contention, as does Lennon Miller, the 20-year-old midfielder at Udinese. Kieron Bowie, the 23-year-old Sassuolo forward, and James Wilson, a 19-year-old Hearts winger with two existing caps, have been recognised for their early-season performances.
The inclusion of Hearts players reflects confidence from Pocognoli's compatriot Wouter Vrancken, the Tynecastle head coach, who had expressed optimism about representation from his club. McPake, a 25-year-old winger, joins Wilson in earning selection, though fellow Hearts winger Calvin Miller misses out. Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh, aged 26, may win his first cap after years on the periphery of international football.
Notably, Che Adams of Torino is absent from the squad, with reports suggesting injury has ruled out the striker. Rangers forward Lawrence Shankland is also unavailable, sidelined for up to four months with a hamstring injury. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, 29, is unavailable following minor heart surgery. Craig Gordon has retired from international football, while Grant Hanley has recently returned to fitness at Hibernian and Rangers defender John Souttar has not featured this season amid speculation linking him with a move to Aris Thessaloniki.
Defenders Dominic Hyam and Anthony Ralston, midfielder Tyler Fletcher and forwards Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst and Ross Stewart have all been omitted. Stewart's exclusion continues a pattern of overlooking him despite strong club form, a decision that may provoke debate among supporters.
What is the balance of the squad?
Of the 27 players named, 14 featured in Scotland's World Cup campaign, providing a foundation of tournament experience. Retained from that squad are goalkeepers Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly, defenders Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, midfielders Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn and Kenny McLean, and forwards Findlay Curtis and Ben Gannon-Doak.
Pocognoli described the composition as striking the right equilibrium.
We have a good mix between experienced players, new faces, first cap players, young lads, players who are back. We have a lot of leaders, we have a lot of players who know how to win games.This balance reflects his stated ambition to use the Nations League campaign as a platform for experimentation while maintaining competitive standards.
The manager acknowledged that his selection process involved difficult choices.
To be honest, I can extend this list because I have to make some choices. There are a lot of names who can be also in that squad for that camp. Players who are not there is because for the style of play, it can be from injury or playing time. There's many players that I would like to call up. The door is never closed.This statement suggests that further changes may follow as Pocognoli assesses players in competitive action.
What happens next for Scotland?
Pocognoli will take charge of Scotland for the first time on 26 September in a Nations League B opener away to Slovenia, with his Hampden Park debut following three days later against Switzerland on 29 September. The fixture schedule continues into October with an away trip to North Macedonia on 3 October, followed by a home meeting with Slovenia on 6 October.
This four-game block represents a crucial early test of Pocognoli's tactical vision and his ability to integrate new players into a cohesive unit. The Nations League B campaign provides an opportunity to experiment while maintaining ambition, according to the manager's own assessment. Success in these fixtures could establish momentum ahead of future competitive campaigns and demonstrate whether the blend of experience and youth can deliver the results Scotland requires.
Key Facts
- Oli McBurnie returns to Scotland after five years away, with his last cap coming in 2021; he has never scored for his country in 16 previous appearances
- Seven uncapped players feature in Pocognoli's first squad, including Stoke defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure, both earning senior call-ups for the first time
- Of the 27-player squad, 14 featured in Scotland's recent World Cup campaign, providing a mix of experience and fresh talent
- Pocognoli's debut as Scotland manager comes away to Slovenia on 26 September, with his first Hampden fixture three days later against Switzerland
- Injuries and strategic decisions have ruled out Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland and Scott McTominay, while Craig Gordon has retired from international football
