SNS GroupScotland’s Billy Gilmour admits it’s frustrating when he is left out of Steve Clarke’s starting line-up, but is determined to earn his place and help the national team reach World Cup 2026.
The Napoli midfielder was on the bench when Scotland kicked off against Greece on Thursday night but came on just before Greece took the lead, and then caught the eye as the hosts turned things around to win 3-1.
Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie started ahead of Gilmour and both found the net in the vital win but also picked up yellow cards that mean they will sit out Sunday’s qualifier at Belarus.
That paves the way for Gilmour to play a key role from the start at Hampden, and he spoke about the importance of taking opportunities to impress Clarke.
“It’s never nice to sit on the bench,” he said. “I don’t think anyone likes it. It wasn’t great, but we’ve got a squad here and you need to be ready when called upon.
“I need to show when I come on that I should be starting and that goes for the other boys as well. It’s never nice, but you need to just be ready to take your chance when you get on.
“Of course, it’s frustrating when you find out you’re on the bench and then take the day to think things through. Then after that, when you’re back on the pitch and you need to help the starting team prepare, you need to be fully there. It’s a squad game and I can’t be moaning.
“I need to make sure I’m there helping the boys because as a squad we’re right together and no-one’s done that.
“You have to have a positive mentality and try to change his mind. There’s good players in our team, especially in the midfield, we’re all competing for the same position. Competition is high, but you need to try and stand out and make sure you’re picked in the first 11.”
Gilmour said he didn’t think he had a point to prove to the head coach, and just needs to put in performances and follow instruction.
Against Belarus, there will be an expectation that Scotland follow the win over Greece with three points against a side that have just been thumped 6-0 at home by Denmark but Gilmour says the right attitude will be needed for another positive result after a 2-0 win in the away fixture last month.
“When we played them last, they were also a good team,” he said. “They tried to play.
“For me and the team, we hope to be on the ball a lot more, be on the front foot and try and win the game.
“We’ll need to be at it and make sure we’re clinical and just try to get the three points.”
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