‘I was so proud when Billy played for Chelsea’

DAPO MEBUDE is delighted to see friend and former team-mate Billy Gilmour living the dream at Chelsea after making his Premier League debut.

The midfielder returned north of the border last term to watch Mebude in action as he was handed his Rangers bow in the defeat to Kilmarnock on the final day of the campaign.

And it was then Gilmour’s turn to make an impact in first-team action as Chelsea manager Frank Lampard gave him a run-out in the draw with Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old has been included in the Chelsea squad for their Champions League campaign and been rewarded with a new long-term contract in London. Ibrox kid Mebude is proud at the way Gilmour has gone from strength to strength since leaving Rangers.

He said: “I came here when I was 11 and I have been really close with Billy since then. We always tried to get the best out of each other, he helped me out a lot and I hope I helped him as well.

“We complemented each other well and we are still good friends. A few days before the game, he knew he was in the squad, he texted me and we were chatting about how he could make his debut.

“It was fingers crossed and when I saw he came on, I was just really proud of him.

“I remember he came up for the Kilmarnock game when I made my debut so to see him doing well is great. He works hard every day to achieve his dream and he always wanted to play in the Premier League. His hard work and dedication have got him there and he has shown what he can do.

“He is a good role model for other players growing up.”