David Bates called up as Luis Binks withdraws from Scotland squad
David Bates returns to Scotland's squad for the matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, replacing the withdrawn Luis Binks as Sebastien Pocognoli's defensive options shift.
David Bates has been added to Scotland's squad for the upcoming matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, with fellow centre-back Luis Binks withdrawing. The call-up gives Bates, who plays for Amedspor in Turkey, a chance to win his first cap in seven years; his last of four Scotland appearances came in 2019.
Bates, 30, brings wide club experience, having played in his homeland as well as in Belgium, England and Germany, with most of his appearances coming at Mechelen. He joins Luke Graham, Jack Hendry and Ryan Porteous as the central defenders available to head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Left-back Kieran Tierney can also play in the head coach's preferred back three.
Binks, of Brondby, won his first three caps during Scotland's opening four Nations League fixtures, in which the team collected four points. His withdrawal removes a recently capped option from the defensive group.
North Macedonia visit Hampden on Friday without any points in the section, while Slovenia sit three points better off than Scotland. Monday's hosts, Switzerland, have maximum points so far.
The squad changes leave Scotland reshuffling at the back ahead of two fixtures with differing stakes, with supporters likely to watch closely how the new defensive combination takes shape under Pocognoli.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
