GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — A transfer to Spain and change of Scotland coach finally earned Sevilla striker Robbie Ure a first international call Tuesday in a reset after a disappointing World Cup where the Tartan Army of fans far outperformed the team.
Scotland’s new coach Sébastien Pocognoli made the 22-year-old Ure the standout inclusion among sweeping changes for four games in a second-tier Nations League group where World Cup quarterfinalist Switzerland starts favorite.
Half of Pocognoli’s 28-player squad was not involved in a group-stage exit at the World Cup that pushed coach Steve Clarke to leave despite signing a four-year contract extension days before traveling to the United States.
Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium defender, also gave first-time selections to Hearts winger Josh McPake, Celtic right back Colby Donovan and Stoke center back Luke Graham.
Star player Scott McTominay is missing as he recovers from a heart procedure at Napoli, though Pocognoli picked six from Serie A clubs.
Scotland’s four games in the first national-team break in the European fall to be spread across two weekends are away to Slovenia on Sept. 26, then hosting Switzerland, at North Macedonia and home to Slovenia on Oct. 6.
Ure never got in Clarke’s World Cup plans despite a prolific spell at runaway Swedish league leader Sirius that earned him a 6.5 million euros ($7.5 million) move to Sevilla last month.
Tartan Army shines brighter than Scotland team
Scotland was toothless in attack at the World Cup. Clarke’s team scored just one goal and created few chances in three games — a 1-0 win over Haiti, then tame losses to Morocco and Brazil — before making a quick exit home.
Ure also is eligible for Ukraine and playing competitive games for Scotland will tie down the former Rangers prospect’s international eligibility.
Hull forward Oli McBurnie was long out of favor but a strong start to the season for the Premier League’s surprise team has earned the 30-year-old a fresh start.
Scotland fans want more creativity from Pocognoli’s team
A former coach at Monaco and Union Saint-Gilloise, Pocognoli was an unexpected pick last month for Scotland where fans are looking for more dynamic play.
Clarke excelled in restoring Scotland to qualifying for tournaments after a 20-year absence but the team was overmatched at back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup in June.
Scotland is a co-host of Euro 2028 with England, Ireland and Wales. UEFA has reserved two entries in the 24-team lineup for hosts that do not earn a place directly in qualifying groups played next year.
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The Associated Press
