Scotland star Billy Gilmour has opened up on the heartache of missing out on the World Cup this summer.
The Napoli midfielder limped out of Saurday's friendly win over Curucao, immediately sparking fears over his involvement at the finals. Those fears were realised when the 24-year-old was officially ruled out.
Gilmour admits the injury has hit him hard mentally and it has been hard to get his head around missing the World Cup.
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However, he has been touched by the support he has received and thanked fans for their messages.
He wrote on social media: "I haven’t got the words to describe how I’m feeling right now. Being so close to a childhood dream of mine, to play in a World Cup, and now it has been taken away from me with an injury. It’s been a tough one to get my head around.
"Your support and kind messages over the last few days mean the world to me and haven’t gone unnoticed, so thank you so much. I’ll see you all back doing what I love again soon but until then, let’s get behind the team and cheer them on. Come on Scotland!"
Among the replies was one from former Chelsea teammate Mason Mount, who said: "Keep your head up mate, more to come."
While Scotland and Rangers hero Ally McCoist said: "Top man."
