Billy Gilmour could win 50th Scotland cap as Pocognoli moves him higher
October 5, 2026 23:52
Billy Gilmour is on the verge of a 50th Scotland appearance as he prepares for the home Nations League Group B1 fixture with Slovenia on Tuesday. The 25-year-old midfielder says he is "excited" about the prospect but has downplayed the milestone, calling it "overall, it's another game" and stressing his focus is on "hopefully a good game and a win".
RECENT FORM
Gilmour has started to win regular first-team places for both Scotland and club side Napoli. Under new national coach Sebastien Pocognoli he has been encouraged to influence matches "higher up the pitch". Pocognoli's instruction has already paid off on the international stage: Gilmour set up Kieron Bowie for the opening goal in North Macedonia as Scotland secured a 2-0 win, the coach's first victory.
CAREER CONTEXT
Gilmour's career has had several interruptions from injury but also high points at club level. He moved from Chelsea to Napoli at the same time Scott McTominay arrived at the Italian club; Napoli won Serie A in their first season with the pair. His progress has been affected by a serious knee injury earlier in his career, a difficult loan at Norwich City, a groin problem at the turn of the year, and a knee injury in a pre-tournament friendly that ruled him out of this summer's World Cup. He says he has "matured a lot" since his first cap in 2021 and remains keen to get on the ball: "I still want to get on the ball, get on the ball technically. I know I'm not the strongest or biggest, so I try to stay away from all that."
LOCAL RECOGNITION
Off the field, his boyhood club Ardrossan Winton Rovers have named a stand in his honour as part of a sponsorship arrangement.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Gilmour could reach the 50-cap mark when Scotland host Slovenia in their next Nations League fixture on Tuesday. He has said he will "do [his] best anywhere on the pitch" if asked to perform different roles by the coach and that "most of all, I'm just happy to be playing."