Billy Gilmour has shared his admiration for Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, and what it’s like to compete for his place in the Scotland midfield.
McGregor has been left out of the Scotland squad due to his current injury and that has handed an opportunity for Gilmour to cement his place in Steve Clarke’s plans for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
Gilmour shone in the 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands but still took time to recognise the Celtic captain and how hard it is to break into the Scotland midfield with McGregor in top form.
Gilmour: ‘Tough’ McGregor is ‘top’ player
McGregor has not only been a stalwart for Celtic, he has been an ever-present in Steve Clarke’s side in qualifying for back-to-back Euros.
The Celtic captain is an absolute certainty to go to Germany in the summer and whilst Gilmour will also be there, he will more than likely need to fight for his place in the starting lineup.
But despite that, the Brighton midfielder has told of the great relationship he has with the Scotland team and his admiration for McGregor.
Gilmour said [Glasgow World], “We are a close-knit group. We are always in contact.
“Last season was a bit tough at my club but coming here was a confidence boost.
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“The gaffer showed belief in me, to keep picking me and playing me in games. This season has been a totally different story, I have played a lot more games at the club.
“With Scotland, I want to be a regular starter. We have a great squad and the midfield is strong, but it’s something I want to put a mark on.
“We have Callum McGregor and Ryan Jack, injured at the moment, but are top players.
“We are all competing to play in three or four positions so it is tough, but I think that is what we enjoy the most.”
McGregor is clearly just as important to Scotland as he is to Celtic and Clarke will be desperate to see him back in the green and white hoops.
Hopefully, that will be in time for the Rangers game at Ibrox in less than two weeks time as Brendan Rodgers hopes to beat his Glasgow rivals for the third time this season and cement his place at the top of the Scottish Premiership.