Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has recalled striker Oli McBurnie to the national team squad for the first time in five years. The 30-year-old Hull City forward had been out of the Scotland setup since falling out of favour under former coach Steve Clarke, who left him out of the World Cup squad despite McBurnie’s public appeals for selection.

Pocognoli, 39, named McBurnie in his initial squad for a four-game Nations League campaign later this month, beginning with a match against Slovenia. The decision reflects the manager’s emphasis on character and leadership qualities within the team. “We need personality, a fighter,” Pocognoli said, noting that with senior figures like Andy Robertson and John McGinn potentially unavailable, others must step up. While not definitively positioning McBurnie as a leader, the coach indicated the call-up offers an opportunity to evaluate who might assume greater responsibility on the pitch.

During his previous spell with Scotland, McBurnie earned 16 caps but did not score. Pocognoli acknowledged this, stating that it is now “a new journey” and that past performances no longer dictate selection. “I needed to analyse players who can fit what I want to produce on the pitch,” the manager said, adding that McBurnie’s current form for Hull City supports his inclusion. The striker reportedly responded emotionally to the recall, expressing joy at returning to the national setup after a prolonged absence.

Pocognoli highlighted McBurnie’s work ethic both on and off the ball as a key factor aligning with the team’s tactical approach. “He is not the same player as before. He has showed he can score goals and is in good shape,” the coach said. He also dismissed any notion that motivation for the return is revenge, emphasizing that McBurnie’s focus is on the present and future with Scotland.

The upcoming Nations League fixtures present McBurnie with a chance to reestablish himself on the international stage as Pocognoli undertakes a transitional phase, seeking new leaders alongside established figures such as Robertson, McGinn, and Scott McTominay. The squad selection marks a fresh start under the new manager as Scotland aims to build momentum in the competitive European campaign.