Scotland squad: Sebastien Pocognoli makes huge changes as starlets and exiled man called up amid striker cull

McBurnie, who is in good form for Hull City in the English Premier League, has not played for the national team since March 2021 and fell out of favour under previous Scotland boss Steve Clarke. However, the 30-year-old - capped 16 times - has been given a fresh start by Pocognoli, who was appointed last month.

The Belgian has made significant changes to the Scotland squad and has called up a number of new players after Clarke’s exit and the World Cup last summer.

Pocognoli has included four goalkeepers, with the uncapped Jon McCracken brought back in after good form with Bradford. He will compete for the gloves alongside Liam Kelly, Scott Bain and regular No 1 Angus Gunn.

Brondby defender Luis Binks has been included, as well as fellow uncapped centre-halves Stephen Welsh and Luke Graham, who are playing well for Swansea and Stoke City respectively in the English Championship. Celtic’s teenage right-back Colby Donovan is in the senior squad for the first time, while Josh Doig of Sassuolo is recalled.

Midfield is the most settled part of the team, although Udinese’s Lennon Miller returns after missing the World Cup. In-form Hearts winger Josh McPake has been rewarded for his club endeavours with a maiden call-up.

There are significant changes in the striking department. As well as McBurnie, Sevilla’s uncapped striker Robbie Ure has been included. Sassuolo’s Kieron Bowie makes a return, with Hearts teenager James Wilson also selected.

None of the strikers who went to the World Cup under Clarke will be present. Lawrence Shankland has just undergone hamstring surgery and is out until December, while Torino’s Che Adams has an adductor issue. Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst and Ross Stewart have all been overlooked.

Centre-halves Grant Hanley, Dom Hyam and John Souttar are also notable absentees, as well as right-back Anthony Ralston. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is unavailable after having a minor heart procedure earlier this month.

Scotland kick off their Nations League B campaign away to Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday, September 26 (2pm). They then face Switzerland at Hampden on Tuesday, September 29 (7.45pm) before going on their travels again, this time to play North Macedonia in Skopje on Saturday, October 3 (7.45pm). The final match of the four-game international break is against Slovenia at Hampden on Tuesday, October 6 (7.45pm).

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Jon McCracken.

Defenders: Luis Binks, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Stephen Welsh.

Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Josh McPake, Lennon Miller.

Forwards: Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Oli McBurnie, Robbie Ure, James Wilson.