Oli McBurnie Returns to Scotland Squad Under Pocognoli
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 Sebastien Pocognoli stamps his authority on his first selection as head coach.
McBurnie, now 30, has 16 caps but no goals for his country, though he did hold his nerve to score in the penalty shootout that took Scotland to the delayed Euro 2020 finals. His return is one of several eye-catching calls as Pocognoli blends old faces, late bloomers and a clutch of fresh prospects.
New era, new names
Uncapped quintet Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh all make the cut, signalling a clear reset under the new boss.
As anticipated, Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure earn their first senior call-ups after rapid rises at club level.
There is a familiar core too. Goalkeeper Scott Bain, Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig, Lennon Miller and James Wilson are all recalled. Che Adams, though, is absent, with reports in Italy suggesting the Torino forward is injured. The door opens for others.
Dual-national decisions and defensive reshapes
Binks, 25, currently at Brondby, has represented both England and Scotland at youth level. Now he stands on the brink of a full cap. Donovan, just 20, has forced his way into the frame after impressing for Celtic, stepping in for injured Canada right-back Alistair Johnston and holding his place in a high-pressure environment.
Like McBurnie, Donovan has featured for Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level. Now both could be key pieces in Pocognoli’s rebuild.
Graham’s inclusion feels like the natural next step. After a breakthrough season with Dundee, where he swept the club’s players’ player and young player of the year awards, the defender joined Stoke and has carried that form into the Championship. The 22-year-old was on the fringes before, part of Scotland’s pre-World Cup training camp in May and an unused substitute in the send-off win over Curacao, Steve Clarke’s final match in charge at Hampden Park.
This time, he arrives as an ever-present for a Stoke side unbeaten in their last four games. His momentum is undeniable.
Goalkeepers and Hearts’ reward
Bain, now at Falkirk and capped four times, returns after previously being involved under Clarke, as does Bradford City goalkeeper McCracken. Both were trusted options for the former manager; Pocognoli has decided they remain part of the picture.
At Tynecastle, there was quiet confidence. Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken had said he expected a few of his players to be recognised, and he was right. Winger McPake and attacking team-mate James Wilson, who already has two caps, are rewarded for strong early-season form. There is disappointment too, with Hearts winger Calvin Miller missing out.
Swansea City defender Welsh could now step onto the international stage for the first time, while Sassuolo forward Bowie, left-back Doig and Udinese midfielder Miller all make the squad and strengthen the spine of a new-look group.
Ure, goals in Sweden and a race against time
Then there is Ure. The former Rangers academy forward lit up Sweden with Sirius, scoring 20 goals and adding three assists in just 20 matches to fire the club to the top of the table. That form triggered a £5.5m summer move to La Liga and Sevilla.
The 22-year-old has yet to score in Spain, but his potential is obvious. With Ure also eligible for Ukraine, Pocognoli’s move feels decisive, an attempt to secure a striker who could lead the line for years to come.
The inclusion of Bowie, McBurnie, Ure and Wilson comes just as reports indicate Adams is sidelined. One door closes. Several more swing open.
Pocognoli’s first squad is not a gentle tweak; it is a statement. Experience recalled, dual nationals nudged towards commitment, and a generation of young talent thrown into the mix. The question now is simple: how quickly can this new Scotland find its edge?
