Billy Gilmour was full of praise for his teammates after the victory over Marseille that gave Albion top spot in Europa League Group B and a bye to the competition’s Round of 16.
“This is a massive achievement for the football club,” he said. “In our first season in Europe, to come out as group winners is amazing and I think that shows the attitude of the boys, the manager and the staff, how much work has gone into it. It’s a massive achievement and now we need to push on even more.”
When Joao Pedro’s winner hit the North Stand net in the 88th minute of the match, Billy could be seen dropping to his knees before joining in the celebrations.
“As soon as we got the goal it was a great feeling of relief because we kept pushing and pushing,” he said.
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“It just didn’t seem to come but we knew that if we kept going the way we were going, it was going to happen.
“Joao Pedro is on fire, especially in the Europa League. Joao getting the goal was amazing.
“He’s been top in this competition and sometimes he has dug us out of a hole, he’s a top goalscorer, a great player for us and let’s hope he can add more.
“It was really loud tonight, I loved it. A great atmosphere and a great result.”
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi praised the Scotland international's display as an “incredible, incredible performance, incredible player. He’s becoming top, top, top. He’s Scottish and I would like more Scottish players.”
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Billy added: “Yes, I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. Hopefully that can continue. I’ve got great players beside me to help me so I want to keep playing every game and try to keep up those high standards.
“We’re all excited but of course we’ve got a massive game at the weekend as well and we want to take this level of performance into league games. On to Arsenal, go there and try to win.”
Next year could be an exciting one for Albion in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup and Scotland in the Euros. But Gilmour is determined to remain grounded.
“2024 could be great but there are still a lot of games between then and now and we’ll see,” he said.
“Hopefully I can keep playing well. Of course I look forward but there are important games in the League to take care of first.”