Billy Gilmour has opened up on staying patient at Brighton and working hard for his chance to shine.
The former Rangers kid made the transfer to the Seagulls from Chelsea to join Graham Potter only for him to move in the opposite direction within weeks. He has since been axed at Stamford Bridge while Roberto De Zerbi is the man in the hot seat at the Amex.
It's been a stunning season for Brighton who finished sixth in the English Premier League and with that secured Europa League football for the first time in the history of the club. Scotland star Gilmour has faced a battle to play with Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo - both heading for big summer exits - proving stiff competition.
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Gilmour was eventually handed his big chance against Wolves and he really did impress with his boss handing him big praise. That proved the catalyst for an end of season run that included game time against Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle. He notched a stunning assist at St James' Park that had tongues wagging online.
It's been a big boost for Scotland and Steve Clarke to have the midfielder in action and picking up match fitness ahead of two crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers. Speaking the SFA website, he explained: "I had to be patient, work really hard on the training pitch and I got my opportunity. I’ve been playing a lot more, so it’s been a good, enjoyable end to the season.
"The manager came in and got his ideas across straight away. It’s total football. When you’re watching it and when you’re carrying it out in training, of course you want to be part of it. You want an opportunity, you want a shot. When I got an opportunity, I had to prove myself to the manager, that I could play his style.
"Of course. Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been unbelievable, so I knew I had to wait my turn. When it came, obviously you do put that bit of extra pressure on yourself because you want to do well and show people you can do it, you’re capable of it. But I remember in the game against Wolves that I felt calm and confident. Scoring the early goals also settled the nerves.
On his relationship with Clarke he said: "I’ve got a really good relationship with him. He always speaks to you. When I wasn’t playing for him, I knew why.
"He told me to be patient, to hang in there and keep working hard. It’s a simple message.
"I went back to the training ground, worked hard, did everything I could to get in the team and at the end of the season it worked hard."
On the Norway and Georgia double-header, he added: "They will be tough games. We’ve Norway up first and we’ve already seen what they can do, with the players they have.
"We need to make sure we go over there, as we have been doing, and try to win the game. We’ve played together long enough to understand each other on and off the park.
"We’re a close-knit group. We all know what we have to do to beat these teams and it’s paying off."
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