Billy Gilmour update from Scotland boss Steve Clarke after Chelsea midfielder forced off by late mid-air challenge in Euro 2020 warm-up win

Steve Clarke gave a nod to Billy Gilmour’s Ayrshire upbringing as he updated the midfielder’s condition after a sickening collision in the 1-0 win over Luxembourg.
Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour fights for the ball with Luxembourg forward Maurice Deville (R) during the friendly on June 6, 2021, in preparation for the UEFA 2020 European Championships. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour fights for the ball with Luxembourg forward Maurice Deville (R) during the friendly on June 6, 2021, in preparation for the UEFA 2020 European Championships. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour fights for the ball with Luxembourg forward Maurice Deville (R) during the friendly on June 6, 2021, in preparation for the UEFA 2020 European Championships. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

The teenager was a half-time substitute but was forced back off after Luxembourg replacement Oliver Thill smashed into him in a powerful mid-air clash.

Gilmour had excelled on just his second international outing and caught the eye during his 20 minute cameo. Clarke, who hails from Saltcoats just a couple of miles along the west coast from Gilmour’s Ardrossan upbringing, hoped it wouldn’t overshadow his side’s lead into the Euro’s next week but was pleased his players rallied round in the aftermath.

Read More
How Scotland players rated in 1-0 Euro 2020 warm-up win against Luxembourg
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scotland players were incensed by the lunge where Thill’s shoulder collided with Gilmour’s head and Clarke took the safety-first option and sent on James Forrest to let his Champions League winner shake it off in the stand – much to the midfielder’s frustration.

Clarke said: "The good news is he's fine. We took him off as a precaution and the doctors will assess him over the next couple of days but I’ve spoken to him. He’s a tough boy, he’s from Ardrossan and he’s fine.

"I didn’t get a good view of the challenge but it’s one of these things that happen in football – but the reaction of the players was good, getting around for a bit of protection and it showed we are altogether.

"But let's not make that the big story – the big story is we are now fully prepared for our first tournament in 23 years, so lets look forward to it.”

Scotland won 1-0 thanks to Che Adams’ first-half goal.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today