David Bates has received a shock Scotland call-up for the first time in seven years after head coach Sebestien Pocognoli was hit with another key withdrawal in defence.

The former Rangers and Aberdeen centre-back has been capped four times but has not featured for the national team since the opening round of Euro 2020 qualifying back in March 2019.

The 30-year-old has been called into the squad for the Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland as a replacement for Brondby captain Luis Binks, who has been forced to withdraw due to an unspecified issue.

It is the second blow in defence for Pocognoli, who also recalled Los Angeles FC centre-back Ryan Porteous last week after Swansea defender Stephen Welsh dropped out.

Bates' surprise return to the international fold follows a strong start to the Süper Lig season in Turkey with newly-promoted Amedspor, who have surprassed expectations to sit third in the table after 11 matches.

He spent the previous four seasons in Belgium, spending two years with Mechelen before moving to Standard Liege, who sold him to Amedspor in the summer for £420,000.