Gilmour gets a thumbs up from Fabregas
CESC FABREGAS has heaped praise upon Billy Gilmour after the Scotland Under-21 midfielder excelled on his full debut for Chelsea. Stamford Bridge manager Frank Lampard also claimed the 18-year-old ‘ran the game’ in Wednesday night’s 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. It was Gilmour’s first senior 90 minutes for the club after a substitute appearance against Sheffield United last month. And his performance captured the attention of former Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, who is now in France with Monaco. ‘He played amazing,’ Fabregas Tweeted about
Gilmour. ‘Personality is the most important thing at this age and he’s got it all right. ‘Now is the time to keep learning and taking advantage of these games to prove to the coach he’s good enough.’ Gilmour, who left Rangers to join Chelsea as a 16-year-old, has been promoted into the first-team set-up following Lampard’s appointment this summer. He signed a new four-year deal earlier this month. Asked about his experience against Grimsby, Gilmour said: ‘It was breathtaking and I’m buzzing. ‘It was a great match and to come and play from the start and build myself into the game, I felt comfortable in there and enjoyed the game. ‘It was a really good feeling to make my full debut and it was really good to get the win. ‘It was a great night to walk out in front of all the Chelsea fans and the boys performed really well. You could see the attacking threat we had with the goals. ‘I have worked hard for this, so it wasn’t a shock but I had to step up and show what I’m capable of. I think I played well. ‘The gaffer has come in and wants to play the youth. It’s been a really good experience for us and we’re gaining confidence from it.’ Lampard offered an effusive appraisal of Gilmour’s display, saying: ‘I thought Billy was outstanding. His passing and pace of pass, the way he moves the ball and passes quickly between the lines, his desire, just his all-round midfield play. It was a fantastic full debut.’