Billy Gilmour, the 25-year-old midfielder for Napoli, missed this year’s World Cup due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly at Hampden against Curacao. The injury meant he was left at home, with Gilmour stating that the first few days were tough.
Instead of appearing at the World Cup, Gilmour sat in the lesser Hampden, taking part in a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game in Miami between the Miami Marlins and the Texas Rangers. He stated that he was nervous but happy that the throw was not bad. He was due to travel to the United States with the Scottish national team, with the World Cup being the first men’s World Cup the nation had experienced since Gilmour was born.
Gilmour became a fan in Boston and Miami with his family. He stated that the players fell for him and that he heard something immediately, describing how difficult it was and that he had to step away for a few days. He added that he was with the team on some evenings.
At the time, Steve Clarke was the manager of Scotland, with Andy Robertson as captain. Clarke told Gilmour not to come if he was too much and to stay with his family. Gilmour was in Miami when the news of Steve Clarke’s departure was announced. Now it is the era of Sebastien Pocognoli.
Gilmour played for Rangers, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion. The match in Slovenia on Saturday ended in a 0-0 draw, with Gilmour attracting attention in the second half. Scott McTominay, his club colleague, is recovering from a heart procedure.
Gilmour stated that as a younger player he liked to play further forward and that he will play at Hampden on Tuesday against Switzerland. The match against Switzerland will be broadcast live on the BBC. He stated that he was happy to be on the pitch and that everyone dreams of being captain of a club or country, adding that he would be proud to be captain. He stressed that Robertson is his captain and that he is a very good captain, and what Robertson has done for Scotland is incredible. Kenny Dalglish holds the record for the most caps for Scotland.
