Billy Gilmour hopes he can have the identical sort of affect for Scotland at Euro 2024 this summer time that he had after getting an surprising likelihood to impress towards previous rivals England final day out.
The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder – then at Chelsea – had simply barely turned 20 when Steve Clarke shocked him by telling him he could be getting his first aggressive Scotland cap towards England of their group stage conflict on the one-year delayed Euro 2020.
Gilmour put in a star flip to assist Scotland declare a goalless draw towards their much-fancied neighbours, who had dwelling turf benefit in addition – however he admits he doesn’t bear in mind a lot of the match itself and is eager to take all of it in with extra skilled eyes this time round.
Billy Gilmour: ‘Man of the match vs England was the stuff desires are made from’
Gilmour shone at Euro 2020 (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Scotland will tackle hosts Germany in Euro 2024’s opening recreation earlier than dealing with Switzerland and Hungary of their remaining group video games, with hopes of qualifying for the knockout levels of a serious event for the primary time within the nation’s historical past.
“It received’t be any completely different in that respect, however I additionally know I’ll be higher for the expertise, as a result of it doesn’t get any greater for a younger Scottish participant than being thrown in at Wembley towards your rivals.
“I didn’t suppose I’d play on the event. Covid meant managers may take greater squads, so I assumed I’d be there for the expertise and I used to be simply concentrating on making an excellent impression.
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“I labored exhausting in coaching and tried to soak in as a lot as I may from everybody. Once I heard I used to be beginning? Wow.
Gilmour received Man of the Match at Euro 2020 (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
“I don’t thoughts saying I used to be nervous, however in a great way. It centered my thoughts.
“I do bear in mind strolling out and seeing all of these Scotland supporters singing their hearts out. We had seen the movies of them taking up London, however seeing that inside Wembley will reside with me endlessly.
“To make my first begin for Scotland in an enormous recreation like that…it’s the stuff desires are made from.
“I simply want I may bear in mind extra in regards to the recreation itself, as a result of that was a little bit of a blur. The subsequent factor I knew, I used to be taking a look at a Man of the Match trophy and making an attempt to maintain a straight face throughout TV interviews whereas my household had been leaping about within the stands behind them.
“You’ll be able to’t purchase these experiences. It’s a privilege and I’d love extra of the identical in Germany.”
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