BILLY’S CAP KO AGONY

PREMIER LEAGUE Knee op ends Gilmour’s season and dents Chelsea kid’s hopes of breaking into Clarke’s plans SHEFF UTD v CHELSEA TODAY, 5.30PM, SKY SPORTS

BILLY GILMOUR’S hopes of a Scotland call-up in September have been dashed after Chelsea boss Frank Lampard confirmed the youngster will be out for up to four months.

The teenage midfielder’s enjoyed a sensational breakthrough at Stamford Bridge but has undergone knee surgery after picking up an injury against Crystal Palace.

That means Gilmour has next to no chance of gaining his first caps under Steve Clarke in the Nations League double-header with Israel and the Czech Republic.

Lampard said: “Billy has had an operation on his knee so he will be out we estimate somewhere between three and four months unfortunately.

“I’m obviously very disappointed as we all are here and of course Billy himself. I spoke with him yesterday at length, and giving him support.

“He’s a tough boy, it hit him hard especially as a young boy who has just made a breakthrough.

“But I told him he should be very pleased with what he’s done and the impact he’s had this season anyway. His attitude will get him back as quickly as he can.

“His character for me is fantastic, particularly with his age, to get himself around the first-team squad and push himself into the team. I’m sure he’ll do everything right, put in the work and the rehab, and he has a very close-knit family around him who will help.

“But we’re his family too, so we’ll be there for him. Hopefully it will cover a period of the close season and into pre-season, so hopefully he’s not missing as many games as he might have done.”

Chelsea head to Sheffield United today with the Blades having won two of their last three to put themselves back into European contention.

Chris Wilder’s side are now outsiders, however, for a Champions League place after their momentum was halted by a goal incorrectly disallowed against Aston Villa last month by VAR.

United could yet pursue their case beyond the season if they miss out on European football’s elite competition.

Lampard said: “I would certainly sympathise with their thoughts and feelings on it because I felt it on the night – didn’t we all – that that decision absolutely should have gone in their favour.”

He’s a tough boy. His attitude will get him back as quickly as he can FRANK LAMPARD ON BILLY GILMOUR’S INJURY