Billy Gilmour sits at Lesser Hampden, a broad grin spreading across his face as he reflects on a period that could easily have been defined by crushing disappointment.
The Napoli midfielder's expression brightens noticeably when recounting an unexpected evening at the baseball in Miami, where the injured Scotland international was invited to step onto the field and deliver the ceremonial first pitch during a Miami Marlins game against the Texas Rangers.
I was nervous. I was just so happy it wasn't a crap throw, or it was bouncing. It was some experience.Gilmour tells a national broadcaster's Scotland sports service, reflecting on that memorable night.
The composure and perspective displayed by the 25-year-old midfielder belies his relative youth in international football. Just days before he was scheduled to depart for the United States with the Scotland squad for the nation's first men's World Cup tournament since before his birth, a devastating injury struck. During a farewell match at Hampden against Curacao, he suffered a knee injury that would sideline him from the tournament entirely. According to his injury records, Gilmour remained sidelined from 31 May until 1 August 2026, meaning he missed the entire World Cup campaign.
While the setback proved devastating for Steve Clarke's squad and the nation's World Cup hopes, Gilmour demonstrated remarkable resilience in processing the blow. He acknowledges that the initial days following the injury were genuinely difficult as the reality of his absence became clear. Rather than dwelling on what might have been, however, he chose to embrace the opportunity to experience the tournament as a supporter, travelling across Boston and Miami with his family.
The boys fell on top of me and I've heard something straight away. Typical, try to run it off, make sure it was okay. It was tough. You have to take yourself away for a couple of days and I did. I got to go away for a bit, just kind of switch off and it happened, so I had to deal with it.he explained of the injury itself.
Rather than viewing his enforced absence as purely negative, Gilmour recognised the silver lining of his situation.
When you're there around the squad, you try to be as best as you can, as positive as you can. 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.
The support from Scotland's coaching staff during this period proved invaluable.
I would be with the team some nights, but the squad and Robbo [captain Andy Robertson] and the gaffer, Steve Clarke, at the time, he basically said: 'Look, if it's too much to come in, don't come in. Stay as much time with the family. Go and experience it with the fans'.
Navigating Change and Emerging as a Senior Voice
Gilmour was still in Miami when news emerged that Clarke had announced his resignation as Scotland head coach. The midfielder has spoken openly about his debt to Clarke, who handed him his international debut in 2001. The transition to Sebastien Pocognoli's era has nonetheless positioned Gilmour as a central figure in the new manager's plans.
During Scotland's 0-0 draw away to Slovenia on 26 September 2026, Gilmour started the match and played the full 90 minutes, emerging as a standout performer during a resurgent second-half display by the Scots. His performance demonstrated his readiness to reclaim his place in the squad following his injury layoff.
Gilmour is typically deployed as a deep-lying central midfielder, yet his tactical role took on a different character during the Slovenia fixture, particularly given the absence of club-mate Scott McTominay, who is currently recovering from a heart procedure. This versatility underscores his value to Pocognoli's evolving setup.
When I was younger, I really liked playing higher up, trying to be among it. Whenever I get asked to play on the pitch, as long as I'm on the pitch, I'm happy. I just want to play football and enjoy it.
At 25 years old, Gilmour now occupies a different position within the Scotland squad than he did before his injury. With numerous younger faces entering the group, the Ayrshire-born player has effectively become a senior figure and voice of experience. He acknowledges embracing this responsibility, though he remains characteristically measured when discussing the possibility of eventually inheriting the captaincy from Robertson.
For me, it's everyone's dream to be a captain at a club or a country. Of course I'd be really proud to, but Robbo's my captain and he's a really good captain as well. What he's done for Scotland is incredible and he's very close on the record [most caps held by Kenny Dalglish] and I'm sure he'll get it.
Recent Club Form and Momentum
Gilmour's return to international football follows an encouraging spell at Napoli. He scored in Napoli's 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on 20 September, earning man-of-the-match recognition for his performance. This form at club level has clearly carried through into his international appearances, suggesting he has successfully navigated his recovery from the knee injury that derailed his World Cup summer.
The midfielder's journey from World Cup heartbreak to re-establishing himself as a key player for both club and country demonstrates the mental fortitude required at the highest level of professional football. His ability to transform disappointment into motivation, and to find positive experiences even during enforced absence, speaks to a maturity that will serve Scotland well in the coming months.
Scotland's Upcoming Fixtures
Scotland are scheduled to host Switzerland on 29 September, visit North Macedonia on 3 October, then host Slovenia on 6 October in the Nations League campaign. Gilmour is expected to feature prominently in these fixtures as Pocognoli continues to build his squad identity.
The midfielder's presence in the squad provides continuity and experience as Scotland navigates this transitional period under new management, while his demonstrated resilience and positive mindset offer an important example to younger players joining the international setup.
