Billy Gilmour's journey through summer heartache has taken an unexpectedly uplifting turn. The Napoli midfielder, sidelined from Scotland's World Cup campaign by a devastating knee injury, has discovered an unlikely silver lining in his forced absence from international football's grandest stage. Speaking at Lesser Hampden with evident positivity, the 25-year-old reflected on how a night at the Miami Marlins stadium transformed what could have been a season of regret into one of unexpected experiences and family memories.
Just days before departing for the United States with the Scotland squad—the nation's first World Cup expedition since before Gilmour was born—the midfielder suffered a knee injury during a farewell match against Curacao at Hampden that ended his tournament dreams. The initial shock was profound, though Gilmour's maturity shone through as he processed the setback. Rather than remaining with the squad, Steve Clarke encouraged him to step back and spend quality time with his family. This decision proved transformative. Gilmour attended games across Boston and Miami, and found himself invited onto the field at the Miami Marlins against the Texas Rangers for the ceremonial first pitch. "I was nervous," he recalled. "I was just so happy it wasn't a crap throw, or it was bouncing. It was some experience." The experience represented a remarkable pivot from devastation to opportunity.
With Scotland now operating under new management following Steve Clarke's resignation—which Gilmour learned of while still in Miami—the midfielder has emerged as a crucial figure in the Sebastien Pocognoli era. His performance during Saturday's 0-0 draw in Slovenia showcased a player adapting and thriving under fresh circumstances. Operating in a more advanced midfield role during the resurgent second-half display, Gilmour demonstrated tactical flexibility in the absence of club-mate Scott McTominay, who is recovering from a heart procedure. The Ayrshire native expressed contentment with this evolved positioning, recalling his younger days when he favored playing higher up the pitch. "Whenever I get asked to play on the pitch, as long as I'm on the pitch, I'm happy," he stated. "I just want to play football and enjoy it."
At 25, Gilmour now occupies a senior statesman's role within a squad featuring numerous emerging talents, positioning him as a potential future leader. Though remaining characteristically modest about captaincy prospects—deferring to current skipper Andy Robertson and acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to Scottish football—Gilmour's trajectory suggests bright horizons ahead. With Switzerland looming at Hampden on Tuesday, the midfielder enters this new chapter of his international career as both a stabilizing presence and a player eager to create fresh memories in the navy blue shirt, having transformed personal disappointment into seasoned maturity.