Ex-Rangers star earns first Scotland call-up since 2019 as injury replacement.

David Bates has been handed an unexpected opportunity to return to international football after being selected for Scotland for the first time in seven years. The former Rangers centre-back has been called into Sebastien Pocognoli’s squad following an injury to Brondby defender Luis Binks, who has been forced to withdraw ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches.

Scotland are preparing for two fixtures, beginning with Friday’s meeting against North Macedonia before facing Switzerland on Tuesday. Binks had been expected to be part of the group for both games, but his withdrawal has created an opening in the defensive department. Pocognoli has responded by bringing Bates into the squad, giving the 29-year-old another chance to represent his country.

David Bates (front) is back with the Scotland squad (Image: Stuart Wallace/BPI / Shutterstock)

A return after seven years away

Bates’ selection marks his first Scotland call-up since 2019. His previous inclusion came for the European Qualifiers against Russia and Belgium, during the early stages of Steve Clarke’s time in charge. Although he travelled with the squad for those matches, he did not make an appearance, remaining on the substitutes’ bench as Scotland suffered two defeats.

The latest call-up is therefore a significant moment for the defender, who has not been involved with the national team for several years. His last appearance for Scotland came earlier in 2019, when he featured in a 2-0 victory over San Marino in March.

That match followed a difficult result against Kazakhstan, with Bates having been part of the Scotland side that was heavily beaten. Scotland subsequently responded by defeating San Marino, and Bates played in that success. The appearance was the fourth cap of his international career and remains his most recent outing for the national team.

Four appearances for Scotland

Before those matches against Kazakhstan and San Marino, Bates had also represented Scotland in victories over Albania and Israel. Those four outings make up his senior international record to date.

His call-up for the Russia and Belgium qualifiers later in 2019 meant he remained part of Clarke’s wider selection plans at that stage. However, he was not brought onto the pitch in either fixture, and he then spent the following years outside the Scotland squad.

Bates has been playing regularly in Turkey

The defender currently plays for Amedspor in Turkey, having moved to the club from Standard Liege during the summer. He has become a regular for his new side and has already made 11 appearances.

Amedspor have lost only twice in the matches in which Bates has featured. That record means he has been involved in a team that has generally avoided defeat during his time on the pitch. His regular participation has also ensured that he has continued to receive competitive football at club level.

The move to Turkey has provided Bates with a new opportunity after his spell at Standard Liege. He has taken up a regular place in the Amedspor side, and that involvement has now coincided with a return to the Scotland national squad.

Binks’ absence creates the opening

Binks had been part of Pocognoli’s defensive plans after receiving his Scotland debut under the manager. The Brondby defender played on the left side of a back three and featured against Switzerland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.

His withdrawal means Scotland have had to make a change to their options ahead of the next international assignments. Bates has been chosen as the replacement, returning to the squad for the first time since the qualifying campaign in 2019.

For Bates, the situation offers a route back into the Scotland set-up. He will join Pocognoli’s squad as preparations continue for the meeting with North Macedonia on Friday and the subsequent match against Switzerland on Tuesday.

A chance to add to his cap total

The former Rangers player has four Scotland caps, with his most recent appearance coming in the San Marino victory in March 2019. His last call-up later that year did not result in further playing time, as he remained among the substitutes for the defeats against Russia and Belgium.

Now, seven years after that selection, Bates has been brought back into the national squad. His return follows Binks’ injury withdrawal and comes while he is enjoying regular football with Amedspor.

The call-up does not guarantee that Bates will feature in either fixture, but it gives him the opportunity to work with Pocognoli and the rest of the Scotland group. With two Nations League matches approaching, the coaching staff have added another centre-back to their available options.

Scotland’s immediate focus will be