Pocognoli revives McBurnie hopes while Binks joins Scotland squad

Sebastien Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad as manager features a surprise recall of Hull City striker Oli McBurnie and Brondby captain Luis Binks, a former England youth international, as the Tartan Army looks for change at Hampden on Tuesday, with only time to judge success.

The 28-man squad that will start the Nations League campaign features a radical overhaul. Half of the players were not part of the World Cup squad three months ago, and twelve veterans have been dropped while fourteen newcomers arrive. Seven of the new faces have never been capped before.

Hull City striker Oli McBurnie returns after a five‑year international hiatus. He earned sixteen caps, the last of which came five years ago, and netted nineteen goals for Hull as they secured promotion to the Premier League. Steve Clarke left him out of the World Cup, reportedly due to a personality clash, and he has never scored for Scotland.

McBurnie's long‑awaited recall

“When I arrived, I did not have any fixed perception about what had happened in the past – I just needed to make my own perception,” Pocognoli explained. “The first consideration was that Oli can fit what I want to produce. He was emotional to be called back, but he wants to contribute now, not seek revenge.”

Kane leads England to victory in the Nations League

Brondby captain Luis Binks, a former England youth international, also joins the list. Scott Bain, Kieron Bowie, Lennon Miller and James Wilson are back in the hunt, while Robbie Ure leads the new wave from his position at Sevilla. Who else is returning? Colby Donovan has seized his chance at Celtic and Josh McPake shines at Hearts.

Pocognoli’s tactical blueprint

Pocognoli aims to move away from the handbrake style associated with Steve Clarke’s era. At Union Saint‑Gilloise and Monaco he preferred a high defensive line, aggressive counter‑pressing and attacking in greater numbers. He believes the current pool of players can execute that approach in the Nations League. The sport demands depth and resilience.

Among those missing are Craig Gordon, who has retired, and Che Adams, Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland, all sidelined by injury after the World Cup. Grant Hanley, Lyndon Dykes, Ross Stewart and Dom Hyam are now over thirty, and Anthony Ralston, John Souttar and Tyler Fletcher must regain club form to re‑enter the conversation. If they can regain fitness, they may still feature later.

Kane reaches record tally for England in the Nations League

By JOHN MCGARRY, SCOTTISH CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER, September 15 2026. Only time will tell if Sebastien Pocognoli’s tenure as Scotland manager will be deemed a success.