Billy Gilmour turns World Cup heartbreak into fresh Scotland opportunity

Gilmour embraces Scotland’s new chapter

Billy Gilmour has turned one of the most painful disappointments of his career into a source of perspective as he establishes himself as a senior figure in Scotland’s changing squad.

The Napoli midfielder was forced to miss Scotland’s World Cup campaign after suffering a knee injury in the team’s farewell match against Curaçao at Hampden. The injury came only days before the squad was due to travel, leaving Gilmour to watch the historic tournament from the United States rather than take part on the pitch.

“It was tough. You have to take yourself away for a couple of days and I did,” Gilmour told BBC Scotland. “When you think of it, how lucky you still are to get to go there and watch the games and be with family and family holiday also.”

Although the initial blow was severe, Gilmour found a way to experience the tournament alongside his family and Scotland supporters in Boston and Miami. One of the highlights was a guest appearance at a Miami Marlins game against the Texas Rangers, where he was asked to throw the ceremonial first pitch despite still struggling with the injury.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I was just so happy it wasn’t a crap throw, or it was bouncing. It was some experience.”

A bigger role in midfield

Gilmour’s focus has now returned fully to Scotland. In the goalless draw with Slovenia, he stood out during a stronger second half and operated with a more advanced dynamic than the deep-lying midfield role he often fills at club level.

With Scott McTominay recovering from a heart procedure, Gilmour has been given greater scope to influence matches. He is expected to feature against Switzerland at Hampden and says he is happy to play wherever he can contribute.

“Whenever I get asked to play on the pitch, as long as I’m on the pitch, I’m happy,” he said. “I just want to play football and enjoy it.”

Senior status and captaincy ambitions

At 25, Gilmour is also becoming one of the more experienced members of a Scotland squad featuring several younger players. He accepts that responsibility and admits that captaining his country would be a source of pride, while making clear that Andy Robertson remains the team’s leader.

“For me, it’s everyone’s dream to be a captain at a club or a country,” Gilmour said. “Of course I’d be really proud to, but Robbo’s my captain and he’s a really good captain as well.”

Gilmour also praised Robertson’s contribution to Scotland as the Liverpool defender closes in on the national appearance record associated with Kenny Dalglish. For the midfielder, the future now offers the chance to create new memories in a Scotland shirt after missing the defining tournament of his generation.