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
Billy Gilmour has arrived in Boston to reunite with the Scotland squad ahead of their World Cup Group C opener against Haiti on Saturday.
The Napoli midfielder was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a knee injury during the Hampden send-off friendly against Curacao on May 30.
Gilmour, who also celebrated his 25th birthday on the day of his arrival, had his name removed from the travelling party just hours before the squad left Glasgow for the United States.
His No.8 shirt was handed to Manchester United rookie Tyler Fletcher following the cruel injury that ended his hopes of featuring on football’s biggest stage.
His Napoli teammate Scott McTominay is also causing concern, having missed the final training session in Charlotte with a suspected case of food poisoning.
Medical staff are confident McTominay will recover in time for Saturday’s kick-off, but his absence from the session at Charlotte FC’s training facility raised alarm before the squad made the 850-mile trip north to Massachusetts.
Midfielder Kenny McLean revealed the news of Gilmour’s arrival shortly before the squad departed North Carolina, saying: “Billy has just landed in the States. Billy is going to come and see the lads tonight, which is amazing. It is his birthday as well so happy birthday Billy. I think he has turned 17, I’m not sure!”
McLean was warm in his praise for the stricken midfielder, adding: “He obviously deserves so much more for what he has given but there is going to be more opportunity for him in the future.”
On the McTominay situation, McLean said the squad are hopeful their talisman will shake off the illness quickly, stating: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scotty will be fine and I’m sure he will be.”
McLean was emphatic about how important McTominay is to Steve Clarke’s side heading into the tournament, saying: “Everybody knows what Scotty brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us.”
He also backed McTominay to put the illness behind him, explaining: “He is obviously desperate to play and his preparations have been amazing apart from maybe something he has eaten somewhere along the line.”
McLean spoke glowingly of McTominay’s standing in the camp, saying: “He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team.”
Scotland face Morocco and Brazil after the Haiti fixture, making Saturday’s opener a critical opportunity to bank three points early in a demanding group.
McLean expressed belief that Scotland have the quality to become one of the tournament’s standout stories, but was clear-eyed about where the immediate focus lies.
He said: “Saturday is so huge and crucial for us and that’s what this build up has been about, this week especially, Haiti. We will go there and try to win the game, we feel we definitely can but it is all down to us.”
About the Author
