Billy Gilmour has opened up about the psychological toll of being ruled out of Scotland's World Cup campaign, describing the experience as deeply difficult to come to terms with.

The Napoli midfielder, 24, sustained a knee injury during Scotland's 4-1 warm-up win over Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday, limping off the pitch shortly before half-time. A subsequent scan confirmed the worst — he would play no part in the tournament.

Gilmour left the Scotland team hotel on crutches, his knee in a brace, with the World Cup dream over before it had truly begun.

A childhood dream cut short

Breaking his silence on Instagram, the former Rangers, Chelsea, and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder said the ordeal had pushed him to his emotional limits.