How ‘fabulous’ Billy Gilmour helped spark Scotland revival

Gilmour was central to it. He won back possession more than any other Scotland player, and kept things ticking over in midfield, taking the ball in tight spaces and emitting a sense of calm.

“He gives you an option on the ball,” former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam said on the Football Daily.

“His first thought is the next pass and getting the ball back again.

“He’s a very good player for Scotland, and in games like this, when you need players to get on the ball, he’s very comfortable.”

Gilmour himself was not getting carried away by the improved display.

He knows they have to back it up against Hungary, but there was a confidence they can make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

“We gave everything out there,” the 23-year-old said. “We knew we had to bounce back after the last performance and it puts us in a good place.

“We’re a good team. We know our strengths. Tonight was more like a Scotland performance. Getting after the ball, passionate – everything was there.”