Scotland Squad: Seven Uncapped Players and McBurnie’s Return
The first Scotland squad of Sébastien Pocognoli’s reign has the feel of a dressing room with the windows thrown open. Seven uncapped players are in, Oli McBurnie is back, and several familiar names are missing. Our Nations League format guide explains the wider competition; here, the interest is in who gets the chance to shape Scotland’s next version.
Seven uncapped players, five first call-ups
Pocognoli has selected 28 players for four matches. Seven have yet to make a senior international appearance, although Luke Graham and Jon McCracken have been called up before.
That leaves five first-time selections, an important distinction when judging the scale of the change.
| Uncapped player | Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jon McCracken | Bradford City | Goalkeeper |
| Luis Binks | Brondby | Defender |
| Colby Donovan | Celtic | Defender |
| Luke Graham | Stoke City | Defender |
| Stephen Welsh | Swansea City | Defender |
| Josh McPake | Hearts | Winger |
| Robbie Ure | Sevilla | Striker |
Ure’s route through Sweden and into Spanish football makes him an especially interesting addition. Binks brings leadership experience from Brondby, while Donovan and McPake give the manager fresh options out wide.
The squad contains 14 players who were not in Scotland’s World Cup selection. This is substantial change, though Andy Robertson and John McGinn remain to provide continuity.
Why Oli McBurnie is back for Scotland
McBurnie last played for Scotland in March 2021. His return therefore ends a gap of roughly five and a half years, rather than a full six.
Helping Hull City win promotion, including scoring the play-off final winner, has put him back in the conversation. The interesting question now is how Pocognoli wants to use him: as a central reference point, a penalty-area target, or part of a more mobile attacking combination. The new coach made his selection principle clear:
“For me, the most important is regarding the style of play I want to produce on the pitch.”
A recall opens the door; it does not settle the starting XI. McBurnie still has to make his qualities work alongside the players around him.
Scotland Nations League squad in full
There is competition throughout the squad, with Billy Gilmour returning after missing the World Cup through injury.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Jon McCracken |
| Defenders | Luis Binks, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Stephen Welsh |
| Midfielders | Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller, Kenny McLean, John McGinn, Josh McPake |
| Forwards | Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure, James Wilson |
Scott McTominay is recovering from a heart procedure and Ché Adams is injured. Lyndon Dykes and Grant Hanley are also absent, but their omissions should not be presented as the same medical situation.
Four fixtures to establish a direction
Scotland compete in League B, Group 1. The opening window mixes two trips with two nights at Hampden; all times below are BST.
| Date | Fixture | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep | Slovenia v Scotland | 14:00 |
| 29 Sep | Scotland v Switzerland | 19:45 |
| 3 Oct | North Macedonia v Scotland | 19:45 |
| 6 Oct | Scotland v Slovenia | 19:45 |
For me, the most useful early evidence will be how Scotland progress the ball and support their striker. A new selection policy should eventually produce something recognisable on the pitch.
Slovenia v Scotland odds: leave room for the team news
A new manager and a changed attack make this an awkward opener to price confidently. These estimates provide a comparison framework, rather than a live offer.
Wait for the starting XI before considering scorer markets: being recalled does not guarantee McBurnie starts.
