I thought Burberry call was a wind-up but now I find modelling weirdly relaxing

IT isn’t just football clubs Billy GIlmour caught the attention of from an early age.

He’s had fashion brands and modelling agencies queuing up for his services too.

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The Brighton midfielder, who is sure to play a key role for Scotland at Euro 2024, is the cover star for the June edition of Men‘s Health.

And he’s been lifting the lid on his time in football, and his mental health struggles – but has revealed how he finds getting in front of the camera RELAXING.

He said: “I remember getting the phone call about Burberry (when he was a young player at Chelsea) and immediately thinking it was a wind-up.

‘But it was something I really liked – top people in fashion styling you, getting make-up done.

“I’m from the west coast of Scotland – it wasn’t what I was used to.

“It took my mind off football and, weirdly, I found it relaxing – like doing this for Men’s Health.

“It’s something completely different.”

Gilmour, 22, is set to play a key role for Steve Clarke‘s side in the opener against the hosts in Munich next month.

While admitting he’s only got “little legs”, the diminutive playmaker has worked hard to make his stamina his strength.

He said: “Playing in the opening game, a curtain-raiser, is something every player wants to do in a major tournament.

“I’m really excited to represent the nation. We believe in ourselves and we can go far.

“I love running. In the off season, I look forward to a 5k or a 10k.

“I’m a player who needs to do my gym work. I know it’s not my game and I have to keep myself strong as I’m up against strong, powerful players – who are also great with the ball.

“For a little guy with little legs, I can run all day. My stamina is a big strength. If someone wants to man mark me, I’ll just keep running.

“You’ll have to catch me. I can run all day!”

As well as having the endurance to keep up with Germany‘s midfielders, Gilmour has the cojones to match having grown up around the Junior game in Ayrshire.

The playmaker also learned to tough it out during a loan spell with Norwich City, getting support from fellow Scotland stars Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean.

Gilmour said: “My dad played Junior football in Scotland and I used to love being around the dressing room.

“They’d be swearing at each other, it was some environment to be around men’s football and see what it was really like.

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“I might be small but watching that, I learned how to look after myself and protect myself.

“I went out on loan to Norwich, which I thought would be good for me.

“It turned out to be a fight.

“At the time, I didn’t enjoy it on the pitch. It didn’t look like I was going back to play at Chelsea, so I was just a young kid and it was a low time for me.

“I had great people around me like Kenny and Grant who really helped me through.”

While nutrition plays a key role in continuing to perform at the elite level Gilmour admits he’s still smuggled square sausage over the border by visiting family.

He said: “Whenever my mum, dad or grandad drive down to Brighton, my freezer gets stocked with sliced sausage and tattie scones. I’ve always got it there if I need to feel close to home.”

l Billy Gilmour was speaking to Men’s Health. The full interview is available now for Men’s Health Squad members via the MH app, whilst Gilmour will front copies of the magazine in Scotland on sale from May 21.

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