Scot Gemmill has praised Chelsea kid and Scotland U21s star Billy Gilmour for adapting to major ‘changes’ in his life.
The youngster is thriving down south at the moment, featuring twice for the Blues senior side this year in the Premier League. The 18-year-old has also captained Chelsea youth teams at stages.
All of this is happening following the teenager’s switch to London aged 16, something he deserves credit for according to Gemmill.
He told the Scottish Daily Mail (page 78, 12/11/19): “I know from my experience working with the best young players in the country over the past five years that the mentality has improved.
“The pathway they are on is constantly testing them. They have to handle the different levels of improvement in their careers. For example, the changes in Billy Gilmour’s life have been huge, in terms of signing for Chelsea and moving to London.
“So it is a huge testament to Billy what he has achieved.”
Gilmour will develop in the Scotland U21 squad under Gemmill for now
With Premier League appearances to his name now, people are starting to call for the teenager’s call-up to the senior Scotland squad.
Steve Clarke isn’t having that for now though. He has slammed the breaks on the notion of a Gilmour senior berth, saying he needs to develop his international experience at youth level.
On the domestic scene at least he’s getting snippets of senior action. Gilmour’s highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and has been fielded by Frank Lampard four times overall this term.
Gemmill also seems to rate him and he’ll be happy to have Gilmour in his Scotland U21s squad for now.