Oli McBurnie Returns to Scotland Squad Under New Coach
Oli McBurnie has been handed a route back into international football as new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli ripped up the old script with a bold first squad.
The 30-year-old Hull City striker returns after five years in the wilderness, headlining a call-up list that also ushers in a wave of uncapped players: Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh all get the nod for the first time.
Luke Graham of Stoke City and Sevilla forward Robbie Ure, both widely expected to be involved, also receive their maiden senior selections.
McBurnie’s second act
McBurnie last pulled on a Scotland shirt in 2021, the end of a 16-cap run that never produced a goal from open play. His most telling contribution came from 12 yards, converting in the penalty shootout that took Scotland to the delayed Euro 2020 finals.
Now he is back, with Pocognoli clearly convinced there is still a role for the physical front man, even as Che Adams drops out amid reports of an injury at Torino. The inclusion of McBurnie, alongside Kieron Bowie, Ure and James Wilson, underlines the head coach’s determination to refresh his forward options.
New faces at the back
At the other end of the pitch, the rebuild is just as striking.
Brondby defender Binks, 25, has represented both England and Scotland at youth level and now steps into the senior frame. Donovan, just 20, has surged into contention after impressing for Celtic while deputising for injured Canada right-back Alistair Johnston. Like McBurnie, Donovan has already worn the dark blue at under-19 and under-21 level.
Graham’s call-up feels like the natural next step. After a breakout season with Dundee, where he collected both players’ player and young player of the year awards, he joined 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 match in charge at Hampden.
He has carried that form into life with Stoke City. The 22-year-old has been ever-present in a Championship side unbeaten in their last four games, and now steps fully into the senior international picture with three under-21 caps already behind him.
Welsh, now at Swansea City, is another defender who could taste senior action for the first time after being included in Pocognoli’s reshaped back line.
Goalkeeping reshuffle and familiar returns
Between the posts, there is a blend of old and new.
Falkirk’s Scott Bain, capped four times, is recalled after previous involvement under Clarke. Bradford City’s Jon McCracken, who was also named in earlier squads by the former manager, keeps his place in the conversation, giving Pocognoli options as he assesses his long-term number one.
Alongside Bain, several familiar names return. Kieron Bowie, left-back Josh Doig, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller and Hearts attacker James Wilson are all back in the fold, rewarded for strong club form after spells out of the squad.
Hearts rewarded, but not all
Tynecastle influence was always likely. Pocognoli’s compatriot Wouter Vrancken, the Heart of Midlothian head coach, had spoken of his confidence that several of his players would be recognised.
He was right. Winger McPake earns a first call-up, while Wilson, already capped twice, is also included after eye-catching early-season performances. The flip side is Calvin Miller’s omission, with the Hearts winger missing out despite the Edinburgh club’s strong representation.
Ure fast-tracked as Scotland move to secure him
The most intriguing attacking selection belongs to Robbie Ure.
The former Rangers academy striker exploded in Sweden with Sirius, hitting 20 goals and adding three assists in 20 matches to fire the club to the top of the table. That form triggered a £5.5m summer move to Sevilla and a shot at La Liga.
Goals in Spain have not yet followed, but Pocognoli has moved quickly. Ure, 22, is also eligible for Ukraine, and this early call-up looks a clear attempt to secure his international future for Scotland before another federation makes its move.
A new era, with sharp edges
Adams’ absence, Bowie’s inclusion, McBurnie’s recall, Ure’s fast-tracking, the promotion of Binks, Donovan, Graham, McPake and Welsh — Pocognoli’s first squad is not a gentle evolution. It is a statement.
Experience remains, but the door has been thrown open to those thriving at club level, from the Scottish leagues to La Liga and Serie A. The message is blunt: form is king, and reputations alone will not carry anyone.
Now the question hangs over Hampden and far beyond: can this new blend of returning figures and fresh faces turn bold selection into results when the whistle blows?
