CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has called for Billy Gilmour to make the Scotland squad despite a lack of minutes this season.
The 19-year-old has featured just ten times for the Blues during a tough campaign – with just 90mins of actin since Tuchel took over at the end of January.
Even that came in an FA Cup win against Championship side Barnsley.
And while some felt Gilmour needed to move elsewhere on loan to secure regular game time, Tuchel does not believe that would have been the best thing for him.
Speaking about the decision to keep Gilmour instead of loaning him out, he said: “It’s absolutely no mistake. It was unfortunately not his choice. It was my choice.
“The choice was made for Chelsea and not for the personal goals of Billy. He accepted it in a five-minute talk. I hope he knows how much I appreciate him.
“He has three big problems: N’Golo Kanté, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. I can only strongly recommend the Scottish national team to nominate him because this guy trains on the highest level.
“They should not be worried about his ability to compete.”
Gilmour could play for Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend against Sheffield United.
And while his opportunities remain few and far between, Tuchel insists he has regular communication with the teenage prospect.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
He added: “We talk now several times because sometimes he does not make it to the 18 because we play with two central midfielders and I already have one of the three guys I mentioned on the bench.
“But it does not mean like when you are out of the squad that you first have to find your way back to the bench.
“You can start the next game. I am happy he is here. We need a strong four midfielders.”
Chelsea are unbeaten in 13 games since Tuchel took charge, moving into the top four in the Premier League and progressing through to the last eight of the Champions League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
