Billy Gilmour opens up on World Cup heartache and Scotland return
Billy Gilmour was in Miami when Scotland's World Cup summer moved on without him.
The 25-year-old Napoli midfielder missed the tournament after injuring his knee in the farewell friendly against Curacao at Hampden. He spoke to BBC Scotland at Lesser Hampden about that disappointment and his return to the squad BBC Sport.
The injury happened quickly. Gilmour lasted 42 minutes of Scotland's 4-1 win over Curacao before coming off. Napoli later confirmed a Grade II knee sprain, which is a partial tear of a ligament in the knee SSC Napoli.
It ended his chance of playing at a first World Cup. Instead, he travelled to the tournament as a fan. He went to Boston and Miami with his family to support Scotland from the stands.
Miami gave him one unexpected moment in the spotlight. He was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Texas Rangers. It is a baseball tradition where a guest throws the opening ball to start the night.
While he was still in Miami, Scotland changed managers. Steve Clarke resigned as head coach during the World Cup. Sebastien Pocognoli succeeded him in the job BBC Sport.
Gilmour is now back in the fold. He came on for the second half as Scotland drew 0-0 away to Slovenia in Pocognoli's early games. His fellow midfielder Scott McTominay missed that trip while recovering from a heart procedure.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson is also chasing history. He is close to the most-caps record held by Kenny Dalglish, Scotland's great of the 1970s and 80s.
Next comes Switzerland at Hampden on Tuesday, with live coverage on the BBC. Gilmour is set to feature again as Scotland look to build momentum after the goalless draw in Slovenia.
What makes this stand out is how familiar the story feels. One bad twist of a knee can take a player out of the biggest weeks of his career. Gilmour watched those weeks with his family, then got back to work.
