Gilmour reveals McTominay's confidence has 'grown massively' since leaving Manchester United for Napoli

Billy Gilmour has offered a glowing assessment of Scott McTominay’s development at Napoli, saying the former Manchester United midfielder has grown in confidence since making the move to Serie A in 2024.

McTominay has been one of Napoli’s standout performers since his arrival, scoring 27 goals in 82 appearances and playing a central role in the club’s Serie A title win in his debut campaign. Gilmour, who followed his Scotland international teammate to Naples after leaving Chelsea, described McTominay as a player his side can depend on in crucial moments.

“Since he’s been here, Scott’s confidence has grown massively,” Gilmour said. “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 sidelined after undergoing surgery for a heart issue, though he has since returned to individual training. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna provided a timeline for his return, stating: “It will take 28 days for sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs. For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact.”

Gilmour also reflected on his own decision to move to Italy, describing the appeal of competing for trophies at a club of Napoli’s stature. “It’s an exciting league,” he 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.”

Napoli have made an inconsistent start to the current campaign and sit ninth in Serie A. The club also navigated significant change in the dugout over the summer, with title-winning manager Antonio Conte departing and former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri taking charge. Gilmour acknowledged the adjustment required under a new manager, saying: “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.”

Napoli’s next fixture is a home league match against Frosinone, followed by a Champions League tie against Spanish side Villarreal.