McBurnie & Donovan join Graham & Ure in Scotland squad

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has named his first senior squad, bringing in a mix of newcomers, recalls and returning forwards as he begins his tenure. Hull City striker Oli McBurnie is back in the frame for the first time in five years, while uncapped players Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh are also included. Stoke City defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure are set for their first full senior call-ups, as expected from the advance reporting.

The squad also features recalls for Scott Bain, Josh Doig, Lennon Miller and James Wilson. BBC Sport notes that McBurnie won his last of 16 caps in 2021, Binks has represented England and Scotland at youth level, and Donovan has become a regular in Celtic’s side while covering for injured right-back Alistair Johnston. Graham earned attention after a strong breakthrough season with Dundee before moving to Stoke, and Ure arrived at Sevilla after a prolific spell in Sweden with Sirius.

The selection is being read as an early sign that Pocognoli wants to refresh an ageing Scotland group after the team missed out on the knockout stage of a major tournament. His first matches in charge are scheduled for late September, when Scotland begin their Nations League B campaign against Slovenia and then host Switzerland at Hampden. The moves matter because they could shape the squad’s balance, competition for places and longer-term direction under the new coach.