Billy Gilmour says Scotland play better under pressure ahead of Spain clash

Billy Gilmour insists Scotland play better when they are under pressure and will be looking to secure their place at Euro 2024 against Spain on Thursday.

The Brighton midfielder is preparing to lock-horns with a Spanish team including the likes of Manchester City star Rodri in Sevilla, knowing a draw will be enough to book their place in Germany next summer.

Steve Clarke’s side ran out 2-0 winners when the teams met at Hampden earlier this year and while Gilmour admits they will likely need to top that performance, he is confident they can get the job done.

He said: “We are looking forward to the game, we know it’s a massive one and we want to go there and do well.

“We are confident going into these games, we have started off really well and we want to continue that.

“We will need more of the same and more, it’s going to be tough, of course, it’s away from home but we know the travelling fans will give us a boost and with being top of the group and how we’ve played so far we will go there full of confidence.

“It’s exciting, we know we are not there yet and we need to still work on it, we know if we play well against Spain then it’s a good possibility we’ll be there.

“We are going to there and give it our all, it’s exciting for the country and it’s a massive thing.

“There’s a real belief in the squad, we have all played together now for a good while. So we are ready for it and can’t wait.

“I’m happy and enjoying my football just now so hopefully I can continue that with the national team.

“Spain are obviously a top team with top players, they’re very technical and quick so we know what we are expecting.

“The pressure is definitely not off, the pressure is on us, but we play better under pressure so we need to go out there and try and get the win.

“Against Norway it looked like we were losing the game, but we stuck together and got the two goals, we never let it knock us down so we can go to Spain and do the same.

“We are all good players here, we aren’t being picked because we can kick the ball long, we want to play football and we want to be brave on the ball and you can see that from the games we have played.”

Billy Gilmour was speaking in Glasgow to celebrate the next wave of free McDonald’s Fun Football sessions launching this autumn. McDonald’s Fun Football is the UK’s largest grassroots participation programme for five to 11-year-olds.