Scotland starlet Billy Gilmour catches eye of Chelsea boss and team-mate as former Rangers kid tipped to shine

Billy Gilmour was back in action for Chelsea against Krasnodar.

Gilmour made his first start after a four-month absence through knee surgery in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw with Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old former Rangers youngster looked immediately back to his assured and confident best, directing play in midfield.

And Blues boss Lampard now believes the Scotland Under-21 star can find his niche in west London, rather than head out on loan in the new year.

"The way Billy played and how he trains, I see him growing with us," said Lampard.

"He's going to be a Chelsea player so it's just about making sure the pathway is right for him.

"He made that pathway right last season, and then got injured at the wrong time, but playing as he did against Krasnodar, he's got a lot to offer us."

Gilmour's performance in the final Champions League Group E clash also drew praise from team-mate Kai Havertz.

The Germany playmaker showed some nice touches himself as he battles back towards full sharpness after his Covid-19 illness.

And then the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star took time out to tip his cap to the fast-rising Gilmour.

"We all know that Billy is a very talented player with a lot of qualities," Havertz told Chelsea's official club website.

"He is still very young like me but in the Champions League he played very well and we are all very happy with him. He has a big future ahead of him."

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