Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour 'won't be included in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad' as SFA take long view

Teenage sensation instead to be called up to under-21 squad

Billy Gilmour will not be included in Scotland’s squad for the Euro 2020 play-off with Israel, according to The Athletic.

The 18-year-old has risen to the fore in the past week after winning consecutive man-of-the-match awards for Chelsea in their victories over Liverpool and Everton.

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This has led to a clamour among Scottish fans for Steve Clarke to include him in his squad. However, it is believed the SFA have intervened and called for Gilmour to be included in the under-21 squad, where he’s almost guaranteed to play both games in their qualifying campaign.

Billy Gilmour in action for Chelsea against Everton. Picture: GettyBilly Gilmour in action for Chelsea against Everton. Picture: Getty
Billy Gilmour in action for Chelsea against Everton. Picture: Getty

The former Rangers youth star has featured 11 times for Scot Gemmill’s side since making his under-21 debut as a 16-year-old in the 1-0 victory over France in 2018.

Following Sunday’s 4-0 triumph over Everton in the English Premier League, Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard singled the player out for praise and suggested he could have a part to play when the Chelsea midfield is back to full strength.

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He said: "He's receiving the ball in difficult areas on the pitch where if you don't move it quickly, firstly you don't get the rhythm of our play, it breaks down for you; and secondly if you give it away in those areas it's dangerous.

"So you need confidence, you need balls to do that. And Jorginho has it, and Billy has it.

"One of the most pleasing things for me with Billy today was that he showed those balls in the first half, but then when he stepped up into a higher midfielder role he instantly took it on board, arriving in their box, playing balls all around the pitch.

"So he showed that he can do both which again is a great thing for me, when I'm thinking about how the midfield looks at times."