McBurnie’s Return to the National Squad
Hull City forward Oli McBurnie has been recalled to the Scotland squad after a five-year absence, a decision that has been met with an “emotional” response from the player, according to new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. McBurnie’s last appearance for Scotland was in 2021 against the Faroe Islands.
Pocognoli stated that the 30-year-old striker is “older” and views his return as a “new experience.” The head coach also clarified that McBurnie’s motivation is not rooted in revenge but rather a desire to prove his goal-scoring ability for Scotland. McBurnie has not scored in 16 caps to date.
The relationship between McBurnie and the previous manager, Steve Clarke, had reportedly deteriorated, leading to his extended period away from the national team. Despite a previous incident where McBurnie publicly discussed a phone call with Clarke, Pocognoli has embraced the striker’s determined attitude, even considering him for a leadership role within the squad.
Pocognoli highlighted McBurnie’s current form with Hull City, noting his hard work both on and off the ball, which aligns with the coach’s tactical plans. The forward now has an opportunity to establish himself as a key striker for Scotland in upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.
Squad Changes and New Faces
The new Scotland squad, Pocognoli’s first selection since his appointment last month, features several changes following a post-World Cup shake-up. Che Adams, who had established himself as Scotland’s primary number nine, is absent due to a thigh injury, though Pocognoli confirmed Adams remains in his future plans.
Other notable absentees include Lyndon Dykes, a regular in squads since 2020, and Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a minor heart procedure. Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The 28-man squad includes 14 players who did not participate in Scotland’s World Cup campaign, which concluded 12 weeks ago. Among the new call-ups are Brondby defender Luis Binks, Hearts winger Josh McPake, and former Dundee defender Luke Graham, now with Stoke City. Colby Donovan, a Celtic full-back, and his former teammate Stephen Welsh, now at Swansea City, have also been included.
Billy Gilmour, a midfielder for Napoli, returns to the squad after missing the World Cup due to injury. Pocognoli expressed his desire to bring a “new accent” to the team’s playing style. The squad is set to attend a warm-weather training camp in La Manga before their first match under the new coach against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday week.
Other Scottish Football News
In other football news, Brondby defender Luis Binks, 25, described his Scotland call-up as a unique feeling within football. Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie has endorsed Calum Adamson, a 19-year-old midfielder on loan from Rangers, for a potential call-up to the Scotland Under-21s squad.
Liverpool supporters welcomed former player Andy Robertson onto the field during Tottenham Hotspur’s EFL Cup defeat at Anfield, where the Scotland captain appeared as a substitute. Dundee United defender Michael Forbes, 22, has been recalled to the Northern Ireland senior squad, with national boss Michael O’Neill highlighting him as an example of the country’s player pathway.
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown hopes that recent signing Oliver Sorensen, 24, will add physicality to the Scottish champions’ midfield. Dundee forward Joe Westley, 21, has received positive news regarding his fractured cheekbone and has opted against surgery. Former Aberdeen captain and manager Willie Miller praised the character of the Dons in their 4-0 victory at Motherwell but suggested there is still room for improvement in quality.
Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken expressed disappointment over his side’s performance in their 2-1 Scottish Premiership defeat by Falkirk, noting that his team “gave the goals away” and showed “panic.” St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari anticipates the return of Jamie Gullan, Bozo Mikulic, and Zach Mitchell for their home match against Falkirk on Saturday.
Source: bbc.co.uk