McBurnie back after five years as Pocognoli names seven uncapped players in first Scotland squad

Oli McBurnie is a Scotland player again. Five years after his last call-up, the Hull City striker has been named in Sebastien Pocognoli’s first squad as head coach, with the Belgian saying the former Sheffield United forward fits his style of play. Seven uncapped players join him, Billy Gilmour returns from Napoli, and Che Adams is the big name left out. This is not a tweak. It is a reset.

Why McBurnie is back after five years

Oli McBurnie has been recalled for the first time in five years and could win his 17th cap in this window. Pocognoli explained the decision simply: the Hull City forward fits his style of play.

Premier League fans will remember McBurnie from his spell at Sheffield United, where his aerial strength and hold-up play made him a reference point. Now 30 and back in the Championship with Hull, he offers Pocognoli exactly the focal point his pressing, possession-based system needs.

Seven uncapped players: Graham and Ure lead the new faces

Seven players without a senior cap are in the squad. Stoke defender Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure receive their expected first call-ups, while Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake and Stephen Welsh also make Pocognoli’s first selection.

Seven debutants in one squad is rare for any new head coach. It tells you Pocognoli is not simply inheriting the group that took Scotland to the World Cup. He is widening the pool and testing who belongs in the next cycle.

Gilmour, Doig, Miller and the other recalls

Billy Gilmour, the 25-year-old Napoli midfielder formerly of Chelsea and Brighton, returns and looks set to be the man Pocognoli builds his midfield around. Scott Bain, Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig, Lennon Miller and James Wilson are also recalled.

The blend is deliberate: an experienced core, a handful of players returning from the fringes, and a wave of newcomers. Pocognoli built his reputation at Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco on high pressing and structured possession, and this squad is shaped for that.

Che Adams misses out: nobody is safe

The headline omission is Che Adams. The former Southampton striker was a regular under the previous regime but has been overtaken by McBurnie and Ure in the pecking order.

That is the clearest message of Pocognoli’s first squad. Selection is about fit, not reputation. The upcoming international window will show whether the gamble on fresh faces pays off on the pitch.

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