Gilmour: De Zerbi and Clarke’s belief key to my season

Billy Gilmour has put his excellent campaign so far down to the belief shown in him by Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi and his international manager Steve Clarke.

The 22-year-old is currently on international duty with Scotland, with Clarke’s team taking on The Netherlands on Friday, before facing Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Billy heads into those games having made 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Albion.

“Getting games and experience under my belt has been great for my development," Billy said. "We’ve played in Europe this season as well and I get it with Scotland against other national teams. I want as much experience as I can and the boys around me have helped.

“Hopefully I’ve shown that I can go and do it on this stage now. I come into most camps ready to go. I’m young, hungry and I want to play in every game. It’s my country. I’ve played a lot of games now and this season I feel strong with no injuries.

“I want to keep this going. I go into every game now, for Brighton or Scotland, thinking I can dominate the game, no matter the opposition. That’s my mindset for any game. I don’t go into it with any nerves or thinking I’m up against this player or that player.

“With every player, you do your best when you have a manager who believes in you and trusts you. He (Clarke) trusts me to showcase what I’ve got. With Scotland, there’s no doubt Steve always has my back. He’s helped me a lot since coming through.

“And my gaffer at Brighton, De Zerbi, has certainly given me that this season. He’s shown confidence in me to go and play. He’s intense! He’s a very passionate man who only thinks about football 24/7.

“He has great skill in teaching us how to play and his work ethic, on and off the pitch, is incredible. Football is constantly on his mind.”

While the Premier League season ends in May, Billy’s campaign continues. Scotland have qualified for this summer’s Euros and the midfielder can't wait to head to Germany for the tournament. 

“I think if you ask any Scottish player or fan they’ll tell you how much they’re looking forward to that opening game in Munich. In Germany, versus Germany? It’s the stuff of dreams.

“It’s night and day from the last Euros, when the crowds were reduced and it felt a bit unreal. This will be more like the tournaments you grew up watching as a kid.

“My first one was South Africa in 2010. I had the theme tune as the ringtone on my phone. I remember watching the final on holiday with the family and wanting Spain to win.

“From not playing at all to being in the team regularly, my confidence is high and I want to bring that to the Scotland stage.”