Scotland are giving gifted Gilmour the platform he needs
SCOTLAND loves Billy Gilmour. And I bet you every bit of that affection is being returned by the gifted 20-year-old midfielder. Why? Because, right now, the national team is giving Gilmour the perfect stage to flourish. His performance against Israel felt like another little landmark in his young career. Gilmour plays well beyond his age. The way he helped direct Scotland away from a 2-1 half-time deficit was another perfect example of his maturity. It’s an exceptional asset because he realises everything that’s going on around him. He takes the temperature of a game and always knows when to play what pass, where to move. He’s on his way to becoming a big player in European football. I’m convinced of that. Yes, it’s been tough for Gilmour on loan at Norwich because they are having a difficult time in the Premier
League and he’s been left on the bench for a couple of matches. But that will only serve to make his Scotland appearances all the more special. I can compare it a little bit to my time on loan at AC Milan when I wasn’t playing every week. I always had the comfort of going back to the Danish national team, playing in my ideal position and knowing something was expected of me. Gilmour (right) is now getting that kind of confidence from Steve
Clarke. There was some frustration in the first half on Saturday about Scotland going too long and maybe bypassing midfield too often. But it’s just about the team knowing when to do what. To look at the example of Denmark, we pass the ball very well on the ground but always retain that option of going long. You just need to be able to realise when it’s most effective. That learning process is part of the transition Scotland are going through right now. Personally, I think the future is looking rosy.
Hopefully, going on to seal a place in the play-offs can ultimately lead to the World Cup because it is these tournaments, and repeat experience of them, that shapes careers. Gilmour, certainly, is good enough to grace the biggest of stages.