Alex is dazzled by Billy the kid

ALEX McLEISH predicts Scotland will not be able to ignore Billy Gilmour.

The Chelsea starlet (below) has been a revelation since Frank Lampard threw him in against Liverpool in the FA Cup – and he followed up with an equally impressive showing against Everton last week.

And former Scotland boss McLeish believes calls for Steve Clarke to include Gilmour, 18, in his national squad will inevitably grow.

He said: “As Scotland boss, you hear constantly about the development of a whole host of players.

“But it seemed every time I bumped into Malky Mackay, the SFA performance director, the conversation would inevitably turn to Gilmour.

“So I had been briefed by Malky extensively before I watched him against England Under-21s at Tynecastle.

“England had a group of big, strong boys – players such as Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.

“But Billy looked like he couldn’t have cared less.

“He was giving them a few years but he stood out through his confidence on the ball.

“Now, of course, there will be a clamour for Steve Clarke to include him.

“And he has a difficult choice because he already has good midfielders.

“More importantly, he has established some momentum in that area of the field and he won’t want to disrupt it.

“The likes of Ryan Christie and James Forrest for instance, aren’t going to give up their places lightly.

“But at the same time, if Billy is playing regularly for Chelsea it is difficult to ignore him.

“He may go on to be a real star.”