Oli McBurnie Returns to Scotland Squad

Oli McBurnie is back in dark blue.

Five years after his last appearance for Scotland, the Hull City striker has been recalled as new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli rips up the old script with a bold first squad packed with fresh faces and overdue returns.

McBurnie’s second act

McBurnie, now 30, has not pulled on a Scotland shirt since 2021, when he won the last of his 16 caps. He has yet to score from open play for his country, but his nerveless penalty in the shootout that took Scotland to the delayed Euro 2020 finals remains a key line in his international story.

Pocognoli has decided that story is not finished. With Che Adams missing out amid reports of an injury at Torino, the door swings open again for a forward who has long divided opinion but offers physical presence and experience in a reshaped attack.

He is joined by a clutch of uncapped players: Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh all step into a senior Scotland squad for the first time.

New era, new names

Some of the selections were expected. Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure, both widely tipped, receive their first senior call-ups.

Others carry a little more intrigue.

Binks, 25, currently with Brondby, has represented both England and Scotland at youth level. His inclusion underlines Pocognoli’s intent to secure dual-qualified talent early. Donovan, just 20, has surged into the frame after impressing for Celtic while deputising for injured Canada right-back Alistair Johnston. Like McBurnie, both Binks and Donovan have featured for Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level.

Graham’s rise has been steady rather than spectacular, but the momentum is real. After a breakthrough season with Dundee, where he swept the players’ player and young player of the year awards, he joined up with Scotland’s pre-World Cup training camp in May. He did not get off the bench in the send-off win over Curacao, Steve Clarke’s final match at Hampden Park, but his time now appears to have arrived.

The 22-year-old has started the Championship campaign strongly with Stoke City, an ever-present in a side unbeaten in their last four matches. Three caps at under-21 level now sit beside a first senior call.

Goalkeeping shuffle and Hearts reward

In goal, there is a blend of familiarity and opportunity. Falkirk’s Scott Bain, capped four times, returns after featuring in previous squads under Clarke. Bradford City’s Jon McCracken, also involved under the former manager, is back in the frame as Pocognoli weighs up his long-term options between the posts.

At Tynecastle, there had been quiet confidence. Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken said he was “confident” a few of his players would be involved, and he has been proven right. Winger Josh McPake is rewarded for his bright early-season form, while attacking team-mate James Wilson – already the owner of two caps – is also included.

Not everyone in maroon gets the nod. Hearts winger Calvin Miller misses out, a reminder that this reset under Pocognoli still comes with a ruthless edge.

Defensive auditions and midfield balance

Stephen Welsh, now at Swansea City, stands on the brink of a first cap after being named in the squad. Across the back line and into midfield, Pocognoli has leaned into youth and upward curves.

Sassuolo forward Kieron Bowie, left-back Josh Doig and Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller are all recalled, each of them offering energy and versatility in key areas of the pitch. Miller, still at the start of his senior journey, joins a group that suggests the new manager wants legs and bravery on the ball in the middle third.

James Wilson’s return after being recalled adds another attacking option, while the presence of Bain, Bowie, Doig, Miller and Wilson highlights a clear theme: players who have been on the fringes under Clarke now have a clean slate.

Ure, goals in Sweden and a decision to make

One of the most fascinating selections sits up front. Robbie Ure has yet to score for Sevilla, but his place in this squad is anything but a gamble on reputation alone.

The former Rangers academy striker tore through defences in Sweden with Sirius, hitting 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.

The goals have not flowed yet in Spain, but his profile has. With Ure also eligible for Ukraine, Pocognoli appears determined to move quickly and secure his international future.

He is not alone. The inclusion of Bowie, McBurnie, Ure and Wilson in attack, set against Adams’ absence, hints at a manager willing to reshape the forward line around form, fitness and long-term planning rather than loyalty alone.

A new head coach, a returning centre-forward, and a raft of uncapped talent: Scotland’s next chapter will not lack storylines.