Billy proves Lamps’ kids can shine on

FAR more like it.

Far more of a statement of Chelsea’s intention to crown what should have been a nightmare season with a fairytale finish.

After looking for so long as though they could yet loosen their grip on fourth place, far more of a performance to suggest it is once again for the taking.

And another delicious display from 18-year-old Billy Gilmour (left), making his first Premier League start.

When you are drawing praise from Roy Keane in the Sky Sports studio, you know you are doing the business. After those tall tales from his time at Rangers and his excellent showing against Liverpool last Tuesday, this was yet another performance to justify the hype.

By the end of the game, Gilmour had completed more passes than any other player on the pitch – 80.

He had covered 12.62km – more than any other Chelsea player here.

He was also the top-ranked player for passes in the opposition half.

Stats can be meaningless, but they suggest here that the Scot imposed himself on an Everton side scared of their own shadows. Rather than weep over their own display, Carlo Ancelotti’s men would do well to watch videos and take notes.

First on Gilmour, then on the entire Chelsea team.

Lampard, as he has done with the likes of Tammy Abraham,

Mason Mount and Reece James, will nurture his talented Scot to ensure he is not over-exposed.

The trouble is, his talent cries out for his inclusion with the big boys.

It is a fascinating problem for Blues boss Lampard to have.

Starting the season relying on his young players because of a transfer ban, having worried in January that a long five months had caught up with his rising stars, he now ends the campaign excited his youngsters are poised to shoot Chelsea back into the Champions League.