Pocognoli's debut squad rewards Graham and Ure with Scotland call-ups
Stoke City centre‑half Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure have earned their first full Scotland call‑ups, set to be announced on Tuesday by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Both 22‑year‑olds impressed at club level this season, prompting the Belgian manager to include them in his inaugural squad.
Graham's rise at Stoke City
Graham featured in Scotland's pre‑World Cup training camp in May after a breakthrough season with Dundee, where he collected the club's players' player and young player of the year awards. He was an unused substitute in the send‑off friendly win against Curacao, which also marked Steve Clarke's final match at Hampden Park. The defender, who holds three under‑21 caps, has been ever‑present for The Potters, who remain unbeaten in their last four Championship games.
Ure's La Liga move
Former Rangers academy product Ure attracted interest across Europe after netting 20 goals and providing three assists in 20 matches, a spell that propelled Sirius to the top of the Swedish table. His performances secured a £5.5m transfer to La Liga side Sevilla this summer, although he has yet to find the net in Spain. Eligible for Ukraine, the 22‑year‑old is expected to be named in the squad when the announcement arrives at 11:00 BST.
The accompanying image, credited to SNS and Getty Images, shows Graham and Ure in their respective club kits.
Pocognoli says Scotland stay on track after Slovenia defeat
Pocognoli, appointed after Steve Clarke's resignation following Scotland's failure to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament, aims to refresh an ageing side. The Belgian will take charge for the first time on Saturday 26 September in the Nations League B opener against Slovenia, with his debut in the Hampden dugout three days later against Switzerland.
Heart of Midlothian manager Wouter Vrancken is confident that a few Hearts players will also feature, highlighting the front three of James Wilson, Calvin Miller and Josh McPake. Former Scotland captain Scott Brown has expressed high hopes for the Gorgie wingers after their strong start to the season.
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez branded an enemy of Ukraine amid Nations League clash
With the squad set to be revealed on Tuesday, Graham and Ure join a group of emerging talents poised to shape Scotland's future under Pocognoli's leadership.