'Scotland was always the one for me' - Binks' pride at first call-up

Luis Binks is one of six newcomers in Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad; the new head coach takes charge against Slovenia in the Nations League on Saturday; Scotland are also away to N. Macedonia with games against Switzerland and Slovenia at Hampden during this international break

"I've wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come. I'm just really proud."

Defender Luis Binks has played at under-21 level for both Scotland and England, but insisted he did not hesitate when new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli said he wanted him in his first squad.

The Brondby captain is one of six players handed their first full call-ups for the Nations League games against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.

Pocognoli has said he will not beg players to choose Scotland, something the 25-year-old agrees with.

"I think if he had to try and convince me, convince anyone, it's probably not the right thing for the player," Binks told Sky Sports News.

"I wanted to play for Scotland. I've wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I'm just really proud.

"It's where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take."

It is a new-look Scotland under Pocognoli with 12 players who were in Steve Clarke's final squad for the World Cup missing out, only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams through injury.

And while it's a new environment for Binks, there are some familiar faces within the camp.

"It was a few years ago that I was with Aaron Hickey in Bologna and he got called up while we were there.

"I could play for the 21s at the time and nothing ever coming up but it was always, Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for.

"Going back years ago, under 16s when I went away with Scotland, the vibe was just so good.

"It felt like a proper team, it was just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again."