BILLY GILMOUR returned to Chelsea’s starting lineup with a flourish on Tuesday night against Krasnodar.
While the team may have slumped to a 1-1 draw in the dead rubber against the Russians, the fit-again Gilmour offered a reminder of just how good he is.
Gilmour, 19, returned to Chelsea’s starting XI after a four month injury lay-offCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Scot missed four months after requiring knee surgery earlier this year.
But having come through some Under-23s football unscathed, Gilmour is now well and truly back in the first-team fold at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old earned the man of the match award on his full Champions League, to go alongside those he earned in his first Premier League and FA Cup starts.
And Joe Cole purred over his performance on BT Sport.
The former Blues star said: “I thought he was good, very good. I thought he was one of the shining lights.
“I love this kid, the way he just shifts players here, body movement – he’s very, very sharp.
“His head’s on a swivel all the time which I like, he’s well drilled.
“When we were coaching him at Chelsea he was a pleasure because he demands of himself.
The Scot will be hoping to represent his country at Euro 2020Credit: Alamy Live News
“I remember him watching videos of Cesc Fabregas before training off, his own back, because he wants to improve.
“It would have killed him, being injured, because he’s one of those that love the game. He’s competitive, he gets the players, he has a lovely awareness of what’s round him.”
Former club Rangers are believed to be interested in loaning Gilmour in January, and Cole raised the dilemma that his former side may be faced with.
He added: “Do Chelsea make a club decision, where they let him go on loan? Let him go and get games?
If Jorginho gets an injury, or Kante gets an injury, he’s needed – he can perform, he’s ready to go now
Joe Cole
“Or, do you keep him in there, because he’s needed?
“If Jorginho gets an injury, or Kante gets an injury, he’s needed – he can perform, he’s ready to go now.
“So it’s a decision that the club will have to make, what to do with him.”
Gilmour will be keen to force his way into Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for next summer’s delayed European Championships.
The Blues wonderkid is yet to be capped at senior level, and was unfairly sent off on his return for the Under-21s last month.
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Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour lands harsh red card eight minutes after making injury comeback with Scotland Under-21s
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
