Billy big time
SCOT GEMMILL has heaped praise on wonderkid Billy Gilmour for his Chelsea performances – but says his attitude off the pitch is just as impressive.
The Scotland U-21 boss called up the 16-year-old for the first time yesterday ahead of this summer’s Toulon Tournament.
Gilmour moved from Rangers to Stamford Bridge last year for £500,000 and has excelled for the Blues’ U-18 team.
The midfielder scored against Arsenal in their FA Youth Cup success and has been rewarded with a call-up for the trip to France later this month.
Despite his age Gemmill insists Gilmour’s in the squad on merit. He’s excited about the teenager’s natural ability and believes he has shown he can handle pressure.
After naming his squad for Toulon, Gemmill said: “Billy’s in the squad as a young player but it has nothing to do with a lack of depth.
“It’s because he’s forced his way in after a really strong season at his new club. You’d have to dig really deep to find anyone who didn’t agree on Billy’s potential. He’s so France and South Korea and the manager is adamant he will get game time in Toulon.
And the Scots U-21 boss says that bodes well for future Euro campaigns. He said: “Coming to Toulon with us is a real opportunity for Billy. We want to maximise the tournament from our point of view.
“In this group 13 players can play in the next U-21 campaign and the Toulon experience can help us with that. Billy’s a member of the squad so he has as much chance of playing as anyone else.
“We haven’t picked the team for the first game but he’s in the squad on merit. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Gemmill has named a young but strong squad for Toulon which kicks off on May 27.
He’s included £15million West Brom winger Oliver Burke, Everton striker Fraser Hornby and Celtic kid Mikey Johnston as well as Scottish Premiership regulars such as Greg Taylor of Kilmarnock and Aberdeen’s Scott Wright.
Scotland finished third in the tournament last year and Gemmill expects another tough test.
He said: “Going to Toulon gives these boys great experience. We’re really looking forward to it.”