Billy Gilmour says Scott McTominay’s confidence has “grown massively” since the midfielder left Manchester United for Napoli in 2024.
McTominay has become an important figure for the Italian club after ending his time at his boyhood side, scoring 27 goals in 82 appearances and helping Napoli win Serie A during his debut campaign.
Gilmour, who followed McTominay to Italy from Chelsea, has also established himself at Napoli and believes the opportunity to play in Serie A was too good to turn down.
“It’s an exciting League,” Gilmour said.
“When you have these big clubs from Italy who approach and say they want to sign you, it’s very hard to say no. I wanted to come here, I wanted to challenge for trophies, and be at such a great club.”
The Scotland midfielder believes McTominay’s influence has extended beyond his performances on the pitch, with the former Manchester United player now highly valued by both Napoli supporters and his team-mates.
“There’s been a few Scots that have played in Italy, Denis Law being one, also a lot of players now would love to come to Serie A,” Gilmour added.
“Since he’s been here, Scott’s confidence has grown massively, you can see how much he means to the fans and to us as players, we can rely on him whenever we need a goal and need help.
“The same goes for Scotland. We’re missing Scott now and hopefully things went well, we can’t wait to have him back.”
McTominay is currently unavailable after undergoing surgery for a heart issue, although he is expected to return following the international break.
Napoli director Giovanni Manna said the midfielder would need 28 days to regain sporting fitness because he will be taking anticoagulant drugs. He added that McTominay would rest for two weeks before resuming competitive activity without contact.
The 28-year-old has since returned to Napoli training on an individual programme as he continues his recovery.
Napoli are ninth in Serie A after an inconsistent start to the campaign. Their next match is at home against Frosinone next weekend, before they face Spanish side Villarreal in the Champions League.
The club also made a managerial change during the summer, when former Juventus head coach Max Allegri replaced Antonio Conte.
Gilmour says players are still adapting to changes at both club and international level.
“It’s a new manager at club and national team, so getting used to new formations and new ways of playing, but overall it’s exciting,” he said.
