BILLY GILMOUR is set to be given a chance by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel after impressing the German in training.
The Scot had appeared likely to go out on loan after being left out of Tuchel’s first two matchday squads.
Thomas Tuchel has kept a close eye on Billy Gilmour in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
His new boss had questioned his physicality, although did call him ‘clever’.
Rangers and Southampton swiftly emerged as possible loan destinations, as Gilmour, 19, aims to burst into Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the Euros.
But according to the Standard, Gilmour’s brilliant performances in training convinced Tuchel that he would be worth keeping around.
The midfielder can now expect first-team minutes between now and the end of the season.
When initially quizzed about Gilmour upon his arrival, Tuchel said: “I have a good impression of Billy.
“He is a very strategic guy, very, very high level of game understanding.
“Very good in the first contact, very, very clever in positioning.
“We will see if he has the physical level to play at the highest level, we will see that, but he is super quick with his feet and decision-making.
The Scot, 19, has made 17 first-team appearances for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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“Very, very good in positioning so for me, we have 21 or 22 field players available, and playing in three competitions there is no need for us to get rid of players.”
Gilmour burst into the Chelsea first-team last season, receiving the man-of-the-match award on his first Premier League start against Everton in March last year.
A knee injury set back his progress, but he has managed 17 first-team appearances for the Blues so far in his young career.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
