Oli McBurnie Returns to Scotland Squad Under New Coach
Oli McBurnie is back in dark blue.
Five years after his last appearance, the Hull City striker has been recalled to the Scotland squad as new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli stamps his authority on his first selection. A clutch of fresh faces joins him, with uncapped Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh all handed their first senior invitations.
As expected, Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla forward Robbie Ure also step up to the full squad for the first time, underlining Pocognoli’s willingness to reward form and potential rather than reputation alone.
Che Adams, though, is absent, with reports in Italy suggesting the Torino striker is injured. His omission opens the door for a reshaped forward line, with McBurnie, Kieron Bowie, Ure and James Wilson all included.
McBurnie’s second act
McBurnie, now 30, made his Scotland debut in 2018 and has 16 caps, the last of them coming in 2021. He has yet to score in open play for his country, but did convert from the spot in the penalty shootout that took Scotland to the delayed Euro 2020 finals.
This recall offers a fresh start. A different manager, a different cycle, and a clear need for options up front with Adams sidelined.
New blood across the pitch
Binks, 25, arrives from Brondby with an intriguing background. He has represented both England and Scotland at youth level and now steps into the senior setup as Pocognoli looks to deepen his defensive pool.
Alongside him, 20-year-old defender Colby Donovan has forced his way into the conversation with his performances for Celtic. Thrown in to cover for injured Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, Donovan has impressed enough to earn a first call at senior level, having already featured for Scotland’s under-19s and under-21s.
Graham’s rise has been just as sharp. The Stoke defender enjoyed a breakout season with Dundee, sweeping the club’s players’ player and young player of the year awards before joining the Potters. He was part of Scotland’s pre-World Cup training camp in May and sat on the bench for the send-off win over Curacao, Steve Clarke’s final game in charge at Hampden Park. Now 22, with three under-21 caps and an ever-present role in a Stoke side unbeaten in four in the Championship, he finally gets his shot.
Goalkeepers and Hearts contingent
In goal, Falkirk’s Scott Bain returns. The four-times capped keeper was previously involved under Clarke and is joined by Bradford City’s Jon McCracken, another familiar name from the former manager’s squads.
At Tynecastle, Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken had hinted that his players would be in the frame. He was right. Winger Josh McPake earns a first call-up, while attacking team-mate James Wilson, who already has two caps, is rewarded for his early-season form. There is disappointment for Hearts winger Calvin Miller, who misses out.
Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh is another who could make his debut, brought in as Pocognoli reshapes his defensive options.
Overseas talent pushed to the fore
The squad also leans heavily on those making their name abroad. Sassuolo forward Bowie, left-back Josh Doig and Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller all return to the fold, underlining the strength of Scotland’s growing expatriate core.
Ure’s inclusion feels particularly significant. The former Rangers academy forward exploded in Sweden with Sirius, scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in just 20 matches to fire them to the top of the table. That form triggered a £5.5m summer move to Sevilla.
He has yet to score in Spain, but his ceiling is clear. With Ure also eligible for Ukraine, Pocognoli appears keen to secure his international future early.
A statement first squad
Pocognoli’s first selection blends returns, risks and long-term planning. McBurnie gets a second chance. Ure and Donovan are fast-tracked. Binks, Graham, McPake and Welsh are pushed into the spotlight.
Adams’ injury has forced a rethink in attack. The response is bold. The question now is simple: how quickly can this new-look Scotland side turn potential into points?
