McBurnie & Donovan join Graham & Ure in Scotland squad
September 15, 2026 10:03
New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has named his first squad and included a mix of returning internationals and fresh faces. Hull forward Oli McBurnie is recalled for the first time in five years, while a number of uncapped players—Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh—feature in the selection. Stoke defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure also receive their first senior call-ups.
Several players who were part of Steve Clarke’s setups are retained or recalled—among them Scott Bain, Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig, Lennon Miller and James Wilson—while notable absentees include Che Adams. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour returns to the squad after missing the World Cup through injury.
KEY CONTEXT
- Pocognoli framed the squad as the start of a new era, emphasising he is selecting players to fit a particular style of play and that the squad could expand in future.
- McBurnie has 16 caps, last played in 2021 and has not scored for Scotland at senior level, though he converted a penalty in the shootout that secured Euro 2020 qualification.
- Robbie Ure impressed at Sirius with 20 goals and three assists in 20 games before moving to Sevilla for £5.5m; he has not yet scored in Spain and is also eligible for Ukraine, a factor the coach referenced when discussing the striker.
- Squad composition has been affected by availability issues elsewhere: reports referenced injuries to Torino’s Che Adams and Rangers’ Lawrence Shankland, and Scott McTominay is unavailable following minor heart surgery.
WHY IT MATTERS
Pocognoli’s first squad signals a clear turnover and intent to build a team around his preferred playing model, blending experience from last summer’s World Cup group with younger or uncapped talent. Bringing in forwards such as McBurnie and Ure addresses attacking options while including multiple goalkeepers—both experienced and younger—points to an open competition in that area. The selection also underscores the coach’s desire to secure players who are willing and available to commit to Scotland.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Ure’s inclusion will lead to a quick senior cap given his eligibility for another country and the coach’s comment about tying him down.
- Who Pocognoli settles on as his preferred goalkeeper after saying he would not name a number one or two at this stage.
- The impact of current club form and fitness on future call-ups, with Pocognoli noting absences can stem from injury or playing time.
- Possible future invitations for players discussed by the coach—including those he said he is “aware of”—such as Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes and Everton’s Hayden Hackney, subject to timing and openness to represent Scotland.