Sebastien Pocognoli rings changes as Oli McBurnie returns to Scotland
At Hampden Park the Tartan Army felt a palpable buzz as Sebastien Pocognoli rings changes, recalling striker Oli McBurnie to the Scotland squad for the first time since 2021.
New manager reshapes the squad
Pocognoli, who took over from Steve Clarke, unveiled a 28‑man Scotland squad that includes seven uncapped players, five of them receiving their first call‑up. He left out eleven members of the World Cup group that finished the tournament in North America. The overhaul signals a clear shift in selection policy ahead of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
McBurnie's long‑awaited return
Hull City striker Oli McBurnie has been handed a recall after a five‑year absence, having last featured for Scotland in 2021 without scoring. He netted 19 goals across all competitions last season, helping Hull secure promotion from the Championship and a positive start in the Premier League this campaign.
Nations League fixtures
Scotland will meet Slovenia in Ljubljana on 26 September, host Switzerland at Hampden Park on 29 September, travel to Skopje to face North Macedonia on 3 October and finish the window against Slovenia at home on 6 October. These matches form the core of their Nations League programme.
Pocognoli says Scotland stay on track after Slovenia defeat
Midfielder Scott McTominay misses out after recent heart surgery, while fellow midfielder Billy Gilmour returns following a World Cup‑ending injury. Veteran centre‑backs Grant Hanley, Lyndon Dykes and John Souttar are also omitted, and goalkeeper Craig Gordon has retired.
Sevilla striker Robbie Ure earns his first senior call‑up, alongside Stoke City’s Luke Graham and a further uncapped group that includes Stephen Welsh, Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Josh McPake and Jon McCracken.
Pocognoli stressed, “the door is never closed,” adding that the upcoming games offer “a new opportunity for some players, a really new beginning for the other ones.” He explained that selections were driven by style of play, injury concerns and recent playing time.
By Ryan Kelly PM GMT+1, an editor at GIVEMESPORT, has spent 15 years in digital sports media. Starting as a reporter, copywriter and features writer, he later served as chief editor of GOAL’s Ireland desk before joining the central English language editorial team. At GOAL he worked as duty editor and website manager, later focusing on informational content. He has covered seven major tournaments – four European Championships and three World Cups – and contributed to Irish football coverage for GOAL, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent. His interests lie at the intersection of sport, culture and politics. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Add Us Like Like follow Followed Thread Log in Here to see the full Scotland Squad.