David Bates returns to Scotland squad after Luis Binks injury withdrawal

David Bates has returned to Scotland's squad after an injury forced Luis Binks to withdraw, the Scottish FA confirmed on Wednesday. The change gives the Amedspor centre-back an opportunity to resume his international career, with Scotland due to face North Macedonia and Switzerland in their next two Nations League matches.

Bates, 30, has four Scotland caps but has not played for the national side since 2019, according to BBC Sport. His inclusion therefore opens the possibility of a first international appearance in seven years, although the recall does not mean he has been selected to start either of the upcoming fixtures.

The Scottish FA highlighted Bates's form in Turkey, describing him as an ever-present member of the Amedspor defence this season. His club are third in the Super Lig. That run of club football precedes his return to a Scotland squad from which he has been absent for an extended period.

Bates was with Hamburg when he earned his previous Scotland caps in 2018 and 2019. The association's announcement also detailed his subsequent spells with Belgian clubs Cercle Brugge, Mechelen and Standard Liege, along with a season at Aberdeen in 2021-22. Binks, meanwhile, has earned three Scotland caps, against Switzerland, North Macedonia and Slovenia.

BBC Sport reported that Luke Graham, Jack Hendry and Ryan Porteous are the other central defenders available to head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Kieran Tierney offers another option: although a left-back, he can play in the back three favoured by the manager. Binks's departure removes a defender who featured during Scotland's opening four Nations League games.

Scotland collected four points from those matches. North Macedonia, their opponents at Hampden on Friday, have yet to register a point in the group, while Slovenia are three points ahead of Scotland. Switzerland, who host the Scots on Monday, have taken maximum points. The squad change comes before those two contrasting assignments, with Bates available to add to his four-cap total.