Lampard says ‘brilliant’ Gilmour can push hard for regular starts as Scot shines in Blues’ cup win
Frank Lampard all-but ruled out sending Billy Gilmour on loan after the Scotland Under-21 midfielder excelled in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Luton in the FA Cup fourth round, and admitted the former Rangers youth star can now push hard for regular first-team starts.
Gilmour started at the base of midfield at Stamford Bridge yesterday and produced an eye-catching display alongside Mason Mount, who was playing in a deeper role, as a Tammy Abraham hat-trick helped the Blues into the fifth round.
The 19-year-old Gilmour enjoyed an impressive breakthrough last season but his progress was hampered by a knee injury which required surgery in July and forced him to spend four months on the sidelines.
However, his performance against Luton has given Lampard food for thought.
"Playing like he did today it will be very difficult to leave Billy out because he was outstanding," said the Chelsea boss. "His comfort on the ball, the way he moves it, his discipline, personality on the team. When he plays like he did today he makes it very difficult for me not to give him a run.
"He trains that way and with his youth and the injury he's had and the difficult time we've had in the last month or so I think it's been me trying to find the right time to get Billy in there. Today I felt it was the right time and he was brilliant.
"Let's see going forward. In the short term for me, looking at him today, he won't be going on loan. But let's keep that open until the end of the month. But Billy is a Chelsea player and the levels he showed today, shows that he's right to be a Chelsea player in the middle of the park."
Abraham netted twice in seven first-half minutes before completing his treble late on as Lampard’s men saw off Luton.
Jordan Clark profited from a Kepa Arrizabalaga error to claw one back for the Championship side but the Blues ground their way to an important win. Timo Werner missed a late penalty but Chelsea will now travel to Barnsley in the fifth round.
Supersub Bruno Fernandes' fantastic free-kick secured Manchester United an impressive 3-2 victory against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Salah's fine opener was cancelled out by Mason Greenwood in an entertaining first half.
Marcus Rashford coolly put United ahead only for Salah to level with his second of the match, setting up a grandstand finish in which Fernandes came off the bench to score the free-kick winner and book a home clash against West Ham.
Second-half goals from Cengiz Under, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison helped Leicester come from behind to knock out Brentford 3-1.
The Championship Bees led through Mads Bech Sorensen's early goal. But Brendan Rodgers’ men rallied after the break to comfortably book a home meeting with Brighton in the fifth round.
Ajayrodriguezdoubleand Kevin Long tap-in ensured Burnley progressed thanks to a dominant 3-0 win at Fulham. The Clarets will face Bournemouth or Crawley Town in the next round.