Steve Clarke has been handed a significant boost ahead of Scotland’s March friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast, as Billy Gilmour successfully made his return to action for Napoli on Sunday.
The 24-year-old midfielder had been sidelined for three-and-a-half months following surgery on a persistent groin issue. The injury was a cruel blow, forcing the former Rangers and Chelsea prodigy to miss the final qualifying hurdles as Scotland secured their historic place at this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Immediate Impact in the ‘Derby del Sole’
Gilmour was introduced as a 79th-minute substitute at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with Napoli trailing Roma 2-1. Despite his long lay-off, the playmaker showed no signs of rust, immediately dictating the tempo in the middle of the park.
It was Gilmour’s incisive, smart passing that unlocked the Roma defence, starting the move that allowed Alisson Santos to fire home a dramatic 82nd-minute equaliser. While the 2-2 draw leaves the reigning champions 11 points adrift of Inter Milan, the return of their Scottish midfield metronome is a major silver lining for Antonio Conte.
The Road to the World Cup
For Scotland, Gilmour’s return couldn’t be better timed. After undergoing surgery in London back in December, there were fears the midfielder might struggle to find match sharpness before the summer trip to North America. However, his 11-minute cameo in Naples suggests he is ready to play a pivotal role in the upcoming “Road to 26” friendly series.
- March 28: Scotland vs Japan (Hampden Park)
- March 31: Scotland vs Ivory Coast (Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool)
With 43 caps already to his name, a fit and firing Gilmour is arguably the first name on Steve Clarke’s team sheet. His ability to link play and retain possession will be vital when Scotland face the likes of Brazil and Morocco in the group stages this June.
🗣️ TARTAN ARMY DEBATE: HOW BIG IS THIS BOOST?
Billy Gilmour is back on the pitch, but does he walk straight back into the Scotland XI?
- Is Gilmour Scotland’s most important player for the 2026 World Cup?
- Who should partner him in midfield: McTominay, McGinn, or McGregor?
Let us know your Scotland starting line-up in the comments below! 👇
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
