Billy Gilmour opens up on Brighton patience amid lack of game time and Steve Clarke bond

Billy Gilmour has opened up on having to remain patient during his struggle to get games at Brighton.

The Scotland midfielder’s move to the seaside threatened to turn sour when the manager who signed him, Graham Potter, went in the exact opposite direction when he was snapped up by Chelsea soon after. Roberto de Zerbi was his replacement and while the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss has done a phenomenal job, the 21-year-old was not one of his preferred midfielders for most of the season.

But the former Rangers academy kid forced his way into the side towards the end of the season and his performances lived up the enormous potential he’s known to have, winning praise from the manager. For recent Scotland camps, the lack of game time affected him getting into the team but he joins up full of confidence ahead of the Norway and Georgia matches.

Ahead of Gilmour in the Seagulls side have been Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, on the brink of a move to Liverpool, and Ecuador international Moises Caicedo who has also been linked to big money transfers.

Asked if that made sitting on the bench easier to stomach, Gilmour told the SFA website: “Of course. Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been unbelievable, so I knew I had to wait my turn.

“When it came, obviously you do put that bit of extra pressure on yourself because you want to do well and show people you can do it, you’re capable of it. But I remember in the game against Wolves that I felt calm and confident. Scoring the early goals also settled the nerves.

“I had to be patient, work really hard on the training pitch and I got my opportunity. I’ve been playing a lot more, so it’s been a good, enjoyable end to the season.

“The manager came in and got his ideas across straight away. It’s total football. When you’re watching it and when you’re carrying it out in training, of course you want to be part of it.

“You want an opportunity, you want a shot. When I got an opportunity, I had to prove myself to the manager, that I could play his style.”

Another manager who struck by Gilmour was Steve Clarke, who continued to include him in squads and talk him up when he got the chance.

Knowing he’s had that backing has been a help to the player.

He added: “I’ve got a really good relationship with him. He always speaks to you. When I wasn’t playing for him, I knew why.

“He told me to be patient, to hang in there and keep working hard. It’s a simple message. I went back to the training ground, worked hard, did everything I could to get in the team and at the end of the season it worked hard.”