Gilmour ‘buzzing’ as he shines on return

Scotland international Billy Gilmour admits he was thrilled to be back playing for Norwich City – and cap his recall with his first Premier League assist.

The talented midfielder was immediately restored to the starting XI on new boss Dean Smith’s debut as the Canaries beat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday.

It was Gilmour’s first appearance at club level since September 21 after the 20-year-old fell out of favour under former manager Daniel Farke.

And the on-loan Chelsea playmaker built on his recent eye-catching performances for Scotland with a man-ofthe-match display that included providing the corner for Grant Hanley – on his birthday – to head home the winner.

Gilmour said: “I was happy to be back playing. It has been a while since I put on the Norwich strip and played in front of the fans, but it was a great win.

“We took that on from the Brentford game and we had real togetherness.

“It is my first win (at Norwich), so I was buzzing with that and I’m sure the fans were too.

“It was my first Premier League assist as well. That was for Grant to score on his birthday, and I am happy to do that.

“We know we are a good enough team to win games, especially here, so to bounce back from that so quickly was good.

“The first half we were on the back foot, but we defended very well.”

Fellow Scotland international Hanley praised Gilmour for his contribution.

He said: “I don’t think you ever need to worry about Billy, I think Billy will play at the top – there is no doubt about that.

“His mentality and how professional he is and how hard he works, it’s never in doubt.

“Every day he is probably the best player in training and when he plays he’s probably the best player for us as well.

“There is nothing to argue about there, it’s no surprise that Billy comes in and does well.”