Sébastien Pocognoli has named his first Scotland squad, handing maiden senior call-ups to Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla forward Robbie Ure as he begins a new chapter for the national side ahead of the UEFA Nations League.
The Belgian head coach has selected a 26-man group for Scotland’s forthcoming League B campaign, which begins away to Slovenia on Saturday, September 26. Pocognoli’s first home match in charge will follow three days later against Switzerland at Hampden, before an away trip to North Macedonia and a return meeting with Slovenia.
His first squad selection is the first indication of how he intends to balance established international experience with a broader refresh of the player pool.
The inclusion of two uncapped 22-year-olds offers an early clue. Graham has earned recognition after a rapid rise across the past year, while Ure arrives with a growing reputation following a prolific spell in Sweden and a summer transfer to Spanish side Sevilla.
Graham’s call-up completes an impressive progression for the centre-back, who previously joined Scotland’s pre-World Cup 2026 training camp and was an unused substitute in the send-off win over Curaçao.
The defender made his name at Dundee, before moving to Stoke City. He has made a strong start in the Championship, featuring in every match during Stoke’s recent unbeaten four-game run. Graham also has three Scotland Under-21 caps to his name.
For Pocognoli, the selection gives Scotland a younger central-defensive option at a time when the new manager is expected to reshape a squad that had become heavily reliant on a familiar core.
Ure’s route into the squad has been equally eye-catching. The former Rangers academy forward produced 20 goals and three assists in 20 matches for Sirius in Sweden, form which helped secure a reported £5.5m move to Sevilla during the summer.
Although he is still awaiting his first goal in Spain, the 22-year-old’s inclusion brings a potentially different attacking profile into the Scotland set-up. With eligibility for Ukraine also noted, Pocognoli’s decision to bring him into the senior fold represents a clear attempt to integrate a promising forward at the earliest opportunity.
There are also call-ups for Brøndby defender and captain Luis Binks, Celtic full-back Colby Donovan, Swansea City centre-back Stephen Welsh and Hearts winger Josh McPake - but there is no space for McPake’s team mate Calvin Miller.
Binks offers another left-sided option in defence and arrives after establishing himself with Danish side Brøndby. The 25-year-old has previously represented England at youth level, but is eligible for Scotland through family.
Donovan’s inclusion is a major reward for the young Celtic defender, while Welsh returns to the international picture after moving to Swansea City. Both add further depth to a defensive group that already includes captain Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna.
McPake has also earned recognition following an encouraging start to the campaign with Hearts. The winger brings energy and direct running to Pocognoli’s midfield options, where he joins established names including John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson and Kenny McLean, as well as highly rated Udinese teenager Lennon Miller.
There is a notably youthful feel to the attacking selection. Alongside Ure, Pocognoli has retained Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak and James Wilson in a forward group built around potential as much as established international pedigree.
The squad suggests Pocognoli is prepared to give young attackers a meaningful chance during what is a demanding four-match Nations League window.
Despite the influx of newcomers, Pocognoli has kept a substantial experienced core. Robertson, Tierney, McGinn, Christie, McLean, Gilmour and Ferguson provide continuity from previous squads, while Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Scott Bain and Jon McCracken make up the goalkeeping contingent.
The balance of the squad points to evolution rather than wholesale change. Pocognoli has protected the leadership and experience that Scotland will need away to Slovenia, while creating opportunities for a new generation to establish themselves before the Nations League campaign gathers pace.
The fixtures give Pocognoli a demanding opening window, but also a meaningful opportunity to establish his style quickly. Scotland’s supporters will be watching closely not only for results, but for the selection choices, tactical direction and emerging players that define the start of a new international era.
Scotland Men’s National Team Squad
Goalkeepers
Scott Bain Falkirk
Angus Gunn San Jose Earthquakes
Liam Kelly Rangers
Jon McCracken Bradford City
Defenders
Luis Binks Brondby
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
Kieran Tierney Celtic
Stephen Welsh Swansea City
Midfielders
Ryan Christie AFC Bournemouth
Lewis Ferguson Bologna
Billy Gilmour Napoli
Lennon Miller Udinese
Kenny McLean Norwich City
John McGinn Aston Villa
Josh McPake Heart of Midlothian
Forwards
Kieron Bowie Sassuolo
Findlay Curtis Rangers
Ben Gannon-Doak AFC Bournemouth
Oli McBurnie Hull City
Robbie Ure Sevilla
James Wilson Heart of Midlothian