Gemmill is convinced Lampard’s grand plan will work for Gilmour
Scot Gemmill believes Billy Gilmour can go on to make a big impact with Chelsea after making his first-team breakthrough.
The 1 8 - y e a r- o l d Scotland Under- 21 midfielder was on the bench for the Stamford Bridge giants during their European Super Cup clash with Liverpool ten days ago.
He had also featured for them in pre- season friendlies this summer, making his debut against Bohemians.
The London giants have been forced to turn to their crop of youngsters because of a transfer embargo.
That means classy kids such as Gilmour look set to get their chance under new manager, Frank Lampard, who has already pinpointed Gilmour as a star in the making, having impressed him during pre-season. Gemmill has capped Gilmour for Scotland at all youth levels, and he will be a key man for his side during the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
The former Rangers starlet was named in his squad for the double- header with San Marino, in Paisley on September 5, and away to Croatia five days later. And he’s convinced Gilmour will be the next Scot to make a big impact down south. Gemmill said: “We know how ambitious Billy is, we know how focused he is, we know how talented he is.
“So it’s great that Chelsea are giving him that opportunity, and we will continue to give him the opportunity at this level.
“He’s actually still eligible for the Under-19s, but he’s already got eight caps and we think it’s better he’s now with the U-21s.”
“I’m sure Frank Lampard and his staff will have a plan for Billy. He’s very meticulous.
“Billy is extremely mature for his age, and knows exactly what he wants to do.
“We’ve shown our faith in him by giving him opportunities, and he’s rewarded us with some big performances.
“Could he deal with first- team football? Yes, 100%.
“With my involvement with Billy, there is no question over his emotional intelligence and his attitude. He wouldn’t be where he is today if that was in any way questionable.
“He’s ready, but he has to continue to push and push – that’s all he can do right now.” Gemmill has been encouraged by the new trend of young Scots going abroad to learn their trade. Celtic starlet Liam Morrison became the latest to clinch an impressive move when Bayern Munich snapped up the 16- yearold last week.
Under- 21 defender, George Johnston, moved from Liverpool to Feyenoord this summer, and former Celtic and Hibs midfielder, Liam Henderson, is now in Serie A with Verona.
And Scotland defender David Bates left Rangers for a year with Hamburg before returning to Sheffield Wednesday this summer.
Gemmill believes it could be a familiar path for young Scots in future.
He said: “Players from England have done it in recent years.
“I think it’s a big compliment to the clubs and the work they are doing.
“Top teams in Europe are starting to recognise they can really work with these players, and they can add to what they’ve already got.”