Billy Gilmour ready to 'dominate' as Scotland star warns he's not the kid along for the ride this time

Billy Gilmour turned up at the last Euros as Scotland’s baby-faced kid with zero pressure on his shoulders.

Three years on, he’s still a youngster in Steve Clarke’s squad. But now, a nation expects. And given how confident Gilmour is right now – with club and country – it’s no wonder that he feels ready to deliver. The 22-year-old was drafted in by Clarke for the Covid-hit 2020 Euros when he’d barely featured for Chelsea’s first-team. He wowed everyone with a performance beyond his years against England at Wembley in a 0-0 draw. But as Scotland prepares for Germany this summer, this is a different Gilmour.

He’s found a home at Brighton and – more importantly – a manager in Roberto de Zerbi who has faith in him. Whether it’s for the Seagulls in the Premier League or for his country, the midfielder feels he can dictate games on his own against ANY side. He’s already played 36 games for Brighton this term, domestically and in Europe. And tonight in the Johan Cruyff Arena, he’ll be a key man for Clarke in Scotland’s glamour friendly against Netherlands.

But it won’t faze the kid from Ardrossan. At the last Euros, he just wanted to sample it. This time, he’s ready to stamp his authority all over it.

Ahead of the game in Amsterdam, Gilmour said: “Before the last Euros, I was brought in late on for a friendly against Holland away. And at that stage, I was thinking about just experiencing it and being around the squad.

“I didn’t actually think about playing or certainly starting against England at Wembley, which was unbelievable. This time, I’m more part of the group and I want to play games.

“The difference for me now is that I definitely feel more of a part of things. I’m still a youngster with a lot to learn. But I’ve come on