Amedspor defender David Bates has received a call-up to Sebastien Pocognoli’s Scotland squad, replacing Luis Binks ahead of UEFA Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Brøndby captain Binks becomes the second defender in the latest Scotland squad to withdraw due to injury, after Stephen Welsh was replaced by Ryan Porteous on Saturday.
Bates will return to the Scotland setup for the first time since 2019 and last featured for his country over seven years ago in a 2-0 win over San Marino.
The 30-year-old plays in the Süper Lig with Amedspor, who are currently third in the Turkish first division. He joined Amedspor in the summer from Belgian side Standard Liège and has started 11 games for Amedspor this campaign.
In an interview with the Daily Record prior to being recalled, Bates previously spoke about his ambitions of earning another Scotland call-up.
Bates said: “That feeling when you put the shirt on and walk out at Hampden is something else when you’re playing for your country. If I can get back in the squad it would be brilliant. My dad’s the same. He’s always messaging me asking if I think I’ll get back in. But I’ll keep playing, do good things here, and hopefully I’ll get rewarded.”
“I’ve got four caps already and it would be really good to get back in. It feels like a long time ago since I last played for Scotland.”
Scotland play North Macedonia on Friday evening at Barclays Hampden. Bates could be in contention to win his fifth Scotland cap.
