The day McTominay scored an even better overhead kick

Scott McTominay finds it "difficult to talk about" his astounding overhead kick for Scotland against Denmark.

A goal so important that it has been immortalised in an enormous mural on the side of a Glasgow building.

What the bashful midfielder doesn't find tough to talk about is a similar goal he scored in Saudi Arabia. One, McTominay says, that was even better and netted while training with Napoli in the weeks that followed that incredible night at Hampden.

"It was better. It was higher," the 29-year-old tells BBC Sport Scotland of an attempt he reckons eclipsed the 2.53m leap he somehow executed to set his country on the way to a first men's World Cup in 28 years.

"I hate to say it, but I beat it and it was in training. I'm devastated. As soon as it happened I was thinking, 'I should have saved it for a game'."

Napoli team-mate Billy GIlmour was with him in the Middle East, but was in the treatment room at the time so missed the moment.

"I came outside and Scott says, 'Bill, you won't believe it, I've just scored exactly the same overhead kick but better'," he confirms.

"I still need to see the video for proof..."

BBC Sport Scotland were speaking with McTominay and Gilmour in Naples, having originally visited the Scotland duo in Italy in November 2024.

Since then, plenty has happened. A Serie A title, Champions League football and, of course, qualifying for this summer's World Cup finals.

McTominay's iconic strike was the first in the epic 4-2 win over Denmark that sealed a place in the tournament, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

While "extremely grateful" for the mural, the Ballon d'Or nominee doesn't like talking about it, because he feels "big-headed" about doing so.

But Gilmour is a more than willing to advocate for his big pal. He was injured and an emotionally involved fan in the Hampden stands that night.

"He doesn't give himself enough credit for what he's done, for sure," says the 24-year-old.

"The goals for Napoli last season, even with Scotland in the tough moments it is Scott who has got us the win or the goal.

"Kids look up to him, idolise him, but Scott is already focused on the next game. He always wants something new, something better."

Glasgow is not the only place to capture McTominay in artwork, though, with a mural in Naples' Spanish quarter dedicated to him too.

Both he and Gilmour have made a huge impression since arriving from Manchester United and Brighton respectively in the summer of 2024.

The Serie A title was delivered in spectacular style as McTominay unleashed his first major bicycle kick of 2025 as Napoli clinched the title against Cagliari.

He would go on to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and joined the company of former Brazil striker Ronaldo, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo in being voted Serie A's Footballer of the Year.

Gilmour, too, has thrived, proving himself to be a key part of Antonio Conte's midfield, albeit in a less eye-catching fashion than McTominay.

Already close from their Scotland days, their friendship has grown.

The warmth between the two is clear to see as they talk about cooking risotto together as we get a rare insight into their lifestyle away from the football field.

They talk about their hopes and dreams for the World Cup, about Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, and their objectives for the tournament.

And we speak to the Napoli fans, who follow their team with an almost religious fervour and clearly adore what McTominay and Gilmour have brought.