Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Lewis Ferguson has spoken of his deep bond with Billy Gilmour after the Napoli midfielder was ruled out of the World Cup through injury last week.
Gilmour suffered a devastating blow during Scotland’s friendly win over Curacao, just 24 hours before the squad departed for the United States.
Ferguson knows the pain all too well, having missed Euro 2024 in Germany through injury while watching his international teammates compete without him.
The Bologna captain admitted he was gutted for his long-time friend, saying: “I was devastated for Billy. I have known him for such a long time and we have watched each other grow and progress in our careers.”
Ferguson said he held back from reaching out immediately, giving Gilmour the space he needed to process such a difficult moment at the worst possible time.
“I left him alone, I didn’t speak to him that night as he needed a bit of space,” Ferguson explained, before adding that he sent a text the following morning referencing his own similar experience.
When he finally saw Gilmour at the hotel before departure, Ferguson said his friend was handling the situation with characteristic resilience and good spirits.
Scotland’s World Cup campaign opens on Sunday in Boston against Haiti in what is a momentous occasion for a nation returning to the tournament stage after a long absence.
Ferguson is expected to line up alongside Scott McTominay in Steve Clarke’s midfield engine room for the Group C opener against the Haitians.
Young Tyler Fletcher, the Manchester United midfielder, has been drafted in as Gilmour’s replacement and has made a strong impression on the squad during preparations.
Ferguson spoke warmly of the newcomer, saying: “He is really calm on the ball and a good character as well. I think everybody has been impressed with him.”
Scotland’s qualification itself was built on unity, with that memorable Hampden victory over Denmark a defining moment in what Clarke has constructed over time.
In the SFA documentary 28 Summers, captain Andy Robertson singled Ferguson out for praise, saying the 26-year-old came of age as a Scotland player during the qualifying campaign.
Ferguson appreciated hearing it from his skipper specifically, saying: “When it comes from your captain and the guy everyone looks to in the team, it was a nice wee surprise.”
The midfielder has been keen to stress that individual praise matters less than what the group has collectively built together ahead of Sunday’s opener.
“There are no egos, we’re all good mates,” Ferguson said, describing a squad where every player pulls in the same direction without exception.
He summed up the squad’s mentality with characteristic directness, adding: “We’d die for each other on the pitch. All that stuff is really important.”
With the tournament now days away, Ferguson says the energy inside the Scotland camp has noticeably shifted as the real business approaches rapidly.
“You can feel everybody is getting a spring in their step as we’re preparing for a World Cup,” he said, reflecting on a nation’s long wait to be back on the global stage.
Scotland may not be among the tournament favourites, but Ferguson believes their togetherness gives them every reason to be confident heading into the competition.
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