I’m still the same player – Billy Gilmour reflects ahead of 50th Scotland cap

A “so proud” Billy Gilmour looks forward to his 50th Scotland cap, insisting he is still fundamentally the same player who made his debut five years ago.

The Napoli midfielder will make it a half-century of caps if selected for the Nations League clash against Slovenia at Barclays Hampden on Tuesday night.

Former Chelsea playmaker Gilmour, who made his Scotland debut as a late substitute in a friendly against the Netherlands in June 2021, said: “Yeah, 50 caps, hopefully (on Tuesday), so excitement.

“But overall it is another game, hopefully a good game and a win.

“I’m always so proud to put on my national-team jersey and go out there.

“We’re very lucky as well, not everyone gets to represent their country at sport.

“I’m always very proud to put it on and I give my all and try my best.

“I’ve matured a lot, ups and downs. But for me, I think I’m still kind of the same player, I still want to get on the ball, play football technically.

“I’m not the strongest or the biggest so I try and stay away from all that.

“But I come away and try to do my best, whatever I get told to do.”

Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is looking for another influential display from a player who has arguably been his best performer in his three games to date.

The former Union SG and Monaco boss said: “He’s been playing very well, since the first day of the camp and I hope (on Tuesday) he can confirm this.

“We try to play football that I think he likes because he’s really involved in terms of connection between the defenders and high on the pitch.

“And if you can find the way to get the ball and have a clear game-plan in front of him, I think he’s a player who can deliver what you expect as a coach.

“And so he plays a lot of games, which is good because in Napoli, he just started to play some minutes before the camp.

“But now it will help him to take the next step, I hope, for his club.”