Turkey-based Bates called into Scotland squad to replace Binks

David Bates, the 30-year-old centre-back who plays for Amedspor in Turkey, was added to Scotland's squad on 11 November 2026 for Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, replacing fellow defender Luis Binks, who has withdrawn.

Bates has four Scotland caps and could win his first since 2019. All of those international appearances came under Alex McLeish during the 2018-19 campaign while Bates was at Hamburg. At club level he has played in Scotland, Belgium, England and Germany, with his most appearances coming at Mechelen.

This season Bates has been a regular for Amedspor, starting all 11 matches as the club sit third in the Turkish Super Lig. The recall brings an experienced option into Sebastien Pocognoli's defensive choices. Bates's selection follows Binks' withdrawal from the squad.

Pocognoli's roster already includes centre-backs Luke Graham, Jack Hendry and Ryan Porteous. Left-back Kieran Tierney is also listed as able to operate in the head coach's preferred back three, providing additional defensive flexibility. Bates joins that group as an alternative for the centre of defence.

Brondby's Luis Binks earned his first three Scotland caps during the nation's opening four Nations League fixtures. Scotland collected four points from those opening matches, with Binks featuring in that early stretch before his withdrawal from the current squad.

The Nations League section sees North Macedonia travel to Hampden on Friday and they remain on zero points in the group. Slovenia sit three points clear of Scotland in the standings, while Monday's hosts Switzerland are on maximum points.

Bates is available for the home meeting with North Macedonia at Hampden on Friday and for Scotland's subsequent fixture against Switzerland on Monday.