'Freshness was needed' in Scotland squad
Former Scotland forward James McFadden analyses new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad selection, which includes five first-time call-ups.
Image source, SNSJosh McPake believes he has "more to give" after being called up to the Scotland squad.
The Hearts winger, 25, is on the verge of his first senior international appearance after being called up for a quartet of Nations League matches by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
McPake set up fellow call-up James Wilson's equaliser in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Falkirk for his sixth assist of the season, while he has scored twice.
"I'm delighted to be involved, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself," said McPake, who dropped into the part-time ranks with Stirling Albion in early 2024 after being released by Rangers.
"I'm still very new at the club, so it wasn't something that was in my thoughts. I believed that if I performed well for Hearts, opportunities might come.
"I wouldn't change my journey for anything. Personally, I feel I needed those experiences to become the player I am now. There were a lot of setbacks, but going down the levels, proving myself and working my way back up taught me a lot.
"It's been a mad few years but I've loved every part of it. I don't want to stop here. I feel I've still got more to give and I'll continue working hard to show what I can do."
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Falkirk Stadium
Image source, SNSScott Bain has had worse Tuesdays.
Before a commanding performance between the sticks in the victory against Hearts - Falkirk's first win of the Scottish Premiership season - the goalkeeper was recalled to the Scotland squad by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
"I'm absolutely delighted," the 34-year-old told BBC Scotland. "It's absolutely great. A really, really good day."
Though John McGlynn's side had to wait a little longer than they would have liked for a win in the league, Bain's performances have been solid, hence the shouts for his return to the national team following his omission from the World Cup squad under Steve Clarke.
On Tuesday night, though, he experienced "an easier game" than he's had before, crediting the "outstanding" defence in front of him.
"It was definitely an easier game than some of the games I've had, but I think that was all down to the workrate and effort the players put in," he explained.
"They were absolutely outstanding defensively. We switched off once with Josh McPake and he creates the chance - showing how good a player is - but apart from that, the full-backs and the wingers were excellent in stopping the supply."
Now Bain hopes the Bairns can kickstart their season.
"I just said that in there, I think now it's a chance for us to really kick on," he added.
"It's been a little bit of a stop-start season for us, obviously a lot of change in players, but I think you can see the squad's gelling.
"To get that win, we're absolutely delighted. It was a little bit nervy at the end just because we were desperate to get the monkey off our back."
Next up is a trip to Premiership newcomers St Johnstone on Saturday, and it's only after that Bain will turn his attention to joining up with the Scotland squad.
While McPake - one of seven uncapped players - picked up an assist for Hearts after dominating much of the discourse before the announcement, Bain highlighted the balance required and the need for some regulars to remain.
"I've seen a lot of chatter about people being excited about a new era, but I think it's really important to have the core group who have been mainstays with Scotland," four-cap Bain said.
"They create an excellent atmosphere, they're real quality players and they'll bring these new lads in.
"It'll be great to get away, get together and try and gel as quickly as possible because the games come thick and fast."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has backed Luke Graham to "be a Scotland regular for many many years to come" after the former 'Dees defender was called into the senior national squad.
The 22-year-old left Dens Park to join Stoke City during the summer.
Established as a regular starter in the English Championship, Graham has been included in Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad as Scotland head coach.
"I messaged him when I heard the news," said Pressley. "As a football club and as a staff we couldn't be prouder. He is such a terrific lad.
"He has gone down there and made a real impact and he deserves this opportunity. He is a player I believe can be a Scotland regular for many many years to come."
Graham was a product of the Dundee youth academy.
He had loan spells at Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk before establishing himself in the Dark Blues first team.
"I love his journey," added Pressley. "I think his journey tells you everything about him as a person.
"He was happy to go to the juniors, he was happy to play in League Two, he was happy to play in League One, play in the Championship. He was happy to do the hard yards, what is required to become a real football player.
"As a result of all that hard work, that adversity and those difficult times, you see the progression in him and as a club, Scott Robertson (Dundee head of football development) and his staff have done an amazing job bringing him through.
"Although I am exceptionally proud to see him progress to the full national squad, there are a lot of people who have played big parts in his development, but nobody more so than himself."
Pressley also believes Graham's rise to the international scene can help make Dens Park more attractive to young talent.
"As a club it is hard for us sometimes to attract the right players," he said. "But we have to sell the story of 'you can come here and we can give you the platform that allows you to get that to that next stage'.
"So it makes the selling of our story a little bit easier."
We asked for your views after new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli named his first squad before his opening games in the Nations League.
Here's what some of you said:
Gordon: I like the squad. A bit adventurous but good to see Oli McBurnie in and Robbie Ure also. Luis Binks can't be bad being captain of Brondby. Looking forward to seeing this team, Steve Clarke teams weren't very adventurous.
Keef: No James Penrice is a mistake. As good as Kieran Tierney is/was I don't think he has the legs any more and Andy Robertson is no spring chicken either.
Matthew: I think it's a fantastically exciting selection. It will be tough to get everyone playing as a team initially, especially if many of the new players are starting (which I hope they will), but it's a fascinating new chapter for the country.
Kenny: I'm glad to see Josh Doig rewarded following four solid seasons playing in Italy, three in Serie A. James Penrice can consider himself unlucky not to be included, but good to see that a handful of standout games for one of the Old Firm doesn't automatically trigger a call-up. His time may come if he keeps performing.
Alan: Only time will tell, but nice to see new faces. I'm getting very excited, which hasn't happened for a very long time with the Scotland team's performances of late.
C Macmillan: Nice to see the new manager changing things around, as the squad needed freshening up. Our defence has lacked pace and relied on too many players out of form. Picking players that are actually playing weekly will help. New attacking options were needed so hopefully these new players will step up. Let's give them and the manager a chance.
Sean: Love to see some of the younger/uncapped players getting chances based on form. Not so keen on McBurnie getting recalled after declaring how much he loves playing for us a few years ago… That, and he's actually pretty mince, let's be honest.
Image source, SNSOli McBurnie has won 16 Scotland caps
Hull City forward Oli McBurnie was "excited" and "emotional" after being recalled to the Scotland squad after five years, says new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. (Record - subscription required, external)
Pocognoli says McBurnie is "older" and his return to the Scotland fold will be "a new experience" for the 30-year-old. (Scotsman - subscription required, external)
Brondby defender Luis Binks, 25, says being called up by Scotland is "different to any other sort of feeling you get within football". (Sun, external)
Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie backs Calum Adamson, the 19-year-old midfielder on loan from Rangers, for a call-up by Scotland Under-21s. (Courier - subscription required, external)
Liverpool supporters rose to welcome former player Andy Robertson on to the field as the Scotland captain came on as a substitute in Tottenham Hotspur's EFL Cup defeat at Anfield. (Sun, external)
Image source, SNSLuke Graham says he has aspired to be like "fellow lefty" Andy Robertson and now they are international team-mates.
The 22-year-old Stoke City centre-half was previously in the Scotland squad without playing but has been called up by new national head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, with Robertson retaining his place in the squad.
Robertson has now captained his country at three major tournaments and joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer from Liverpool while Graham left Dundee for Stoke.
"It's a very, very proud moment for me and my family," Graham said of his senior international call-up before his club's weekend fixture with Sheffield United.
"One of the main reasons I play football is to hopefully try and play for my country. I've done it at 21s level so far, but to make that step up to the first team is just unbelievable. I mean, I can't really put it into words, really.
"Some of the players that they've got in that national team are Champions League winners, Premier League players. Learning from them will be absolutely vital.
"Andy Robertson, the captain of the country, he's been such a big figure in there for a number of years now. Being a fellow lefty as well, he was always someone that I looked up to and aspired to be like."
David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSNew head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has been speaking to the media after naming his first Scotland squad.
Here are the main points from the news conference:
Pocognoli, who has handed five first call-ups among seven uncapped players, says on the make-up of his squad: "The most important thing is regarding the style of play I want. My focus is to select the players regarding that. There are a lot of names that can also be on that squad. I think we have a good mix of experience and players going for their first cap and players that are back. The important thing is to have these experienced players who have just passed the DNA, the heritage and also the culture."
Pocognoli says Brondby defender and captain Luis Binks, who has been capped at youth level by England and Scotland, did not need persuading.
The Belgian adds: "I don't need to convince the players to play for the country. For me it's timing, the timing was right. The feeling and the timing about him was right. If I have to convince players to play Scotland they will not be there."
On why he has brought Oli McBurnie back, Pocognoli says: "Regarding style of play, playing time and performance. I have to start on a new journey, a new book, it's a new opportunity for some players. He had a great season last season with Hull, [is now] playing in the Premier League."
On the youthful look of his squad - seven players are still Under-21 eligible - Pocognoli says: "Just to be clear, I want to do this, but I will never do it just because I want to try a team. Whoever I selected has to perform well."
He accepts there is "some experimentation you have to do" at the start of his tenure but knows "the most important thing is to continue winning".
The head coach insists "the door is not closed" on those who have missed out on selection, adding: "When I analysed the squad, I think we have a team that can fit with what I want to implement on the pitch. It doesn't mean what we did in the past was wrong, I just want to bring a different aspect."
Celtic full-back Colby Donovan, called up for the first time, has been playing well and "needs to improve on things like every young lad".
Sebastien Pocognoli's first Scotland squad selection is in - and there are maiden call-ups for five players as well as a recall for striker Oli McBurnie.
The newcomers are Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, Swansea defender Stephen Welsh, Brondby captain Luis Binks, Hearts winger James McPake and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure.
There is also a place for Stoke defender Luke Graham, with 14 of the 28 players having not been part of this summer's World Cup squad.
Pocognoli's reign begins with a run of four Nations League fixtures, kicking off away to Slovenia on 26 September.
Scotland fans, what do you make of the Belgian's first Scotland squad selection? Let us know your thoughts here.
Manchester United's £73m striker, Benjamin Sesko, is poised to be called up by Slovenia for the first time in a year to face Sebastien Pocognoli in his first game as Scotland head coach. (National - subscription required, external)
Watch best of Josh McPake's scintillating Edinburgh derby display
Former Scotland captain Scott Brown is backing Hearts pair Josh McPake and Calvin Miller to feature in a refreshed national team set-up under Sebastien Pocognoli.
The new head coach will name his maiden squad on Tuesday for an extended international period that includes four Nations League fixtures and starts from the end of this month.
Summer arrivals McPake, signed from St Johnstone, and Miller, who joined from Falkirk, have impressed for Hearts under Wouter Vrancken in the early stages of this season.
And Brown, who played with Miller at Celtic, is convinced both his former team-mate and McPake can make the step up to international football.
"I really like Josh McPake," the ex-midfielder said of the 24-year-old.
"I think he's had a fantastic start to the season. He has managed to step up to the Championship, to the Premiership, and show against top teams that he can do it.
"Now can he go and do that with Scotland as well? I believe that he could do it.
"Calvin Miller as well, the two Hearts lads have done really, really well."
Read more: Who could be named in new-look Scotland squad?
Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, 23, scored his first Sassuolo goal in Sunday's dramatic Serie A win over Juventus, with countryman Josh Doig also featuring in the hosts' 3-2 victory. (Sun, external)
Former Dundee United and Budapest Honved manager Tam Courts has been appointed Scotland Under-19s head coach. (Courier - subscription required, external)
Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSJohn Souttar may yet leave Rangers in the short term, even though the transfer window has closed in Scotland.
The Scotland defender, 29, is under contract until next summer.
"I think he still can [make a contribution]," said Rangers manager Derek McInnes.
"The likelihood is that John's been told his long-term future would be best elsewhere.
"He still has good opportunities. There's still an opportunity to move. There's a couple of windows, a few windows still open across Europe and there is a few things looking possible for John.
"I don't want to speculate how much that is, but I think there one or two things that he's quite keen on and one or two things that's maybe gaining a wee bit of traction."
Souttar joined Rangers in 2022 and has made 132 appearances, scoring four times. He has 366 club games overall and has represented Scotland 24 times, being part of the squad that went to this year's World Cup.
And McInnes added: "There's still that possibility for John to go and get regular football and peace of mind.
"That might be the best option for him, but if he doesn't move and there isn't anything materialises then of course we honour the contract and he comes back into things."
