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'Style important' as McBurnie & seven uncapped players make Pocognoli's first Scotland squad

New Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has named his maiden roster, recalling 30-year-old Hull City attacker Oli McBurnie after a five-year hiatus. McBurnie, who holds 16 caps since debut in 2018 and previously converted in the shootout securing Euro 2020 qualification despite zero goals for his country, was selected due to his tactical fit.

Seven uncapped players were chosen: Luis Binks, Colby Donovan, Jon McCracken, Josh McPake, Stephen Welsh, Stoke City defender Luke Graham, and Sevilla forward Robbie Ure. Graham, a 22-year-old former Dundee award-winner who went unused in Steve Clarke's farewell friendly over Curacao, joins after starting well for his unbeaten English side, while 20-year-old Celtic fullback Donovan stepped up amid Alistair Johnston's injury.

The manager noted that selections align with a fresh system and mentioned that excluded figures missed out due to tactical demands, health issues, or club minutes.

Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour, 25, rejoins the group following an injury that sidelined him for the World Cup, alongside recalls for Scott Bain, Kieron Bowie, Josh Doig, Lennon Miller, and James Wilson, though Che Adams is absent. Between the posts, the 34-year-old Falkirk keeper Bain and Bradford City shot-stopper McCracken, 26, unite with Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly, with Pocognoli electing not to declare a definitive starter while seeking to regenerate the squad.

Fellow Belgian Wouter Vrancken, who manages Heart of Midlothian, had expressed optimism that his team would be represented.

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