Scotland calls up defender David Bates from club in Kurdish-majority region of Turkey

Glasgow, Scotland (AP) — Seven years after his final appearance for Scotland, defender David Bates has been recalled by the national team following an impressive performance for Amedspor, a club based in the Kurdish-majority region of Turkey. The 30-year-old Bates, who started every game for Amedspor during their inaugural season in Turkey's top division, was included in the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.

These games replace center back Luis Binks, who is currently injured. Bates last represented Scotland in March 2019 and was subsequently called up just once more during Steve Clarke's seven-year tenure as coach, which concluded with the World Cup in June.