Steve Clarke admits he's deeply concerned after his star midfielder limped off during Scotland's convincing victory over Curacao.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke isn't hiding his anxiety after Billy Gilmour was forced to exit during his side's commanding 4-1 triumph against Curacao in their international friendly. The Chelsea midfielder's premature departure has left Clarke genuinely concerned about his key player's fitness ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Gilmour, who has become instrumental in Scotland's midfield setup, appeared to struggle with what looked like a physical issue before being substituted as a precautionary measure. Clarke's frank admission of being "100% worried" highlights just how vital the young playmaker has become to Scotland's tactical framework and future ambitions.
While Scotland dominated proceedings against Curacao - a team featuring several players of African descent who have chosen to represent the Caribbean nation - the victory was overshadowed by concerns over Gilmour's condition. The result itself demonstrated Scotland's growing depth, but losing a player of Gilmour's caliber would be a significant blow to their international aspirations.
Clarke will now anxiously await medical assessments to determine the severity of any potential injury. With Scotland looking to build momentum in international competition, keeping their core players fit remains paramount to their success on the global stage.