Ahead of Scotland’s UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland, Billy Gilmour has discussed his experiences on this Summer’s World Cup, and where he sees his role in this new-look Scotland side.
Gilmour was ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury in Scotland’s Hampden send off against Curaçao.
Despite not being part of the playing squad, the Napoli midfielder was present in America to support his nation for Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.
Discussing his experiences of the World Cup this summer, he said: “It was tough, you have to take yourself away for a couple days, and I did. I got to go away for a bit and just kind of switch off.
“When you’re away with the squad you’re just trying to be the best you can, as positive as you can, and then you think of how lucky you still are to get to go there and watch the games, and be with family. So a lot of things were negative, but at the same time it was a positive.”
The midfielder also went into detail of his memories regarding the moment of injury, and how he knew his World Cup place was instantly in jeopardy Gilmour said: “The boys fell on top of me and I’ve heard something straight away. Typically, try to run it off and make sure it was ok. I’ve turned out and as soon as I’ve passed the ball with the inside of my foot, I knew straight away there was something up.
“Obviously it wasn’t the news I wanted to hear but, move on now, start of a new campaign and hopefully a new one.”
He also discussed his experiences so far under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli, and how a younger, new look Scotland squad could look. Gilmour said: “Yeah look, it’s early days, I mean with Steve Clarke, we were hard to beat, we worked hard and there was so many memorable nights at Hampden, and the way where the fans have walked away really happy, this is what we’re hoping to do with the new manager also.
“A lot of new faces have came in, younger boys, so it’s a fresh start.”
Speaking on a more advanced role during Saturday’s draw in Ljubljana, Gilmour said: “When I was younger I really liked playing higher up, trying to get in amongst it. But wherever I get asked to play on the pitch, so long as I’m on the pitch, I’m happy. I just want to play football and enjoy it.”
Gilmour also discussed Napoli teammate Scott McTominay’s injury and the miss he is to the squad, he said: “Yeah, of course, he’s a big miss. We can see from the games we’ve counted on Scotty and he’s come up with the goal, the big moments.”
He was also asked about if he has any ambition to become Scotland captain one day, as he transitions to being one of the squad’s more senior players. Gilmour said: “I’ve had a good amount of caps and experience now at international level to maybe help out the younger ones coming through, and I’d hope they would come to me as well if they did feel a bit unsettled.
“Of course, it’s everyone’s dream to be captain at a club or country. Of course, I’d be really proud to, but Robbo’s (Andy Robertson) my captain. He’s a really good captain as well. What he’s done for Scotland is incredible and he’s very close on the record (all-time record cap holder) and I’m sure he’ll get it to be fair, and I’m sure as a captain for the squad and what he’s done for Scotland, he’s one we won’t to see going.”
After his man of the match performance against Slovenia on Saturday, many will expect Gilmour to retain his place in Scotlands starting XI as they host Switzerland at Barclays Hampden tonight.
