Oli McBurnie recalled as six new faces in Sebastien Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad

Sebastien Pocognoli believes he has found the right mix of experience and youth after handing out six new call-ups in his first Scotland squad, as well as a recall for Hull striker Oli McBurnie . Swansea defender Stephen Welsh, Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, Brondby defender Luis Binks, Stoke centre-back Luke Graham, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure have all been included. There are recalls for goalkeepers Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, Sassuolo pair Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Hearts attacker James Wilson and McBurnie, who made his last Scotland appearance in 2021. Pocognoli revealed “style of play” was the key factor in his squad selection but stressed there were a “lot” of players who could also have made the list, referencing injuries and playing time as a reason for some omissions. “I think we have a good mix between experienced players, new faces, first-cap players, young lads, players who are back,” he added. “The most important thing is to welcome these new faces, to have these experienced players to pass the DNA, the heritage and also the culture. The style of play is my job. “We have a lot of leaders, we have a lot of players who know who to win games and competitions. These players will be very important to pass the message and to be demanding in training, but also outside the pitch. It’s just to find the right balance and I hope we will have it.” Pocognoli pointed to “style of play, playing time, performances” as the reason for recalling McBurnie five and a half years after his latest Scotland cap. Pocognoli has named his first Scotland squad (PA) “I have to start a new journey,” he said. “What happened in the (previous) months and years is part of the past. Now I have to build something. It’s a new opportunity for some players, a really new beginning for other ones.” Billy Gilmour is in the Belgian’s 28-man squad for four Nations League games against Slovenia, twice, North Macedonia and Switzerland after the Napoli midfielder missed the World Cup through injury. Twelve players have dropped out of Steve Clarke’s final squad including retired goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Grant Hanley, George Hirst and Domnic Hyam miss out as do three players who have struggled for game time – John Souttar, Anthony Ralston and Tyler Fletcher – and four injured players – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart and Che Adams. Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes is the most notable omission after scoring three goals in the Sky Bet Championship this season. The 30-year-old has netted 10 goals in 53 internationals and he and Adams were Clarke’s favoured forwards. All of Clarke’s five World Cup strikers are absent. There is still an experienced core in former Union Saint-Gilloise manager Pocognoli’s group, including Angus Gunn, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean. Scotland squad Goalkeepers : Bain (Falkirk), Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Kelly (Rangers), McCracken (Bradford) Defenders: Binks (Brondby), Doig (Sassuolo), Donovan (Celtic), Graham (Stoke), Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Hickey (Brentford), McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Patterson (Torino), Robertson (Tottenham), Tierney (Celtic), Welsh (Swansea) Midfielders: Christie (Bournemouth), Curtis (Rangers), Ferguson (Bologna), Gilmour (Napoli), Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Miller (Udinese), McLean (Norwich), McGinn (Aston Villa), McPake (Hearts) Forwards: Bowie (Sassuolo), McBurnie (Hull), Ure (Sevilla), Wilson (Hearts)