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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Billy Gilmour could be in line to start his first Serie A game for Napoli

The door could be open for Billy Gilmour to stake his claim as a regular starter for Napoli.

The midfielder showed his class as he strolled about the middle of the park, mixing it with some of the best in the world, as Scotland secured a 0-0 draw against Portugal on Tuesday evening.

While the former Rangers, Chelsea, and Brighton man is a first pick for Steve Clarke, he's yet to establish himself as a nailed on starter for his new team in Serie A following his deadline day move to Naples.

His national team compatriot - Scott McTominay - has managed to do so, with the former Manchester United player already having bagged a couple of goals for Antonio Conte's charges.

Gilmour could be set to join him after an injury sustained by Stanislav Lobotka during Slovakia's 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan.

The Slovakian suffered a suspected thigh problem, and while the Napoli medical team wait to learn the extent of the injury, he's unlikely to be involved in Sunday's match against Empoli.


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So, this could pave the way for Gilmour to be given the nod for his first start in Serie A.

The 23-year-old got 90 minutes in the 5-0 hammering of Palermo in the Coppa Italia last month, but he's only managed short cameo appearances in domestic action.

Since losing 3-0 to Hellas Verona in the opening weekend of the season, Napoli have hit back to lead the way in Italy's top flight by two points.

After winning the Scudetto two years ago, they finished a measly 10th last term, meaning they have no European football this season.

And that absence could work in their favour for a title tilt this season, especially under Conte, who won three Serie A titles on the trot between 2011 and 2013 for Juventus.

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