Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour reveals how talks with Frank Lampard convinced him to snub loan move

Joe Krishnan26 April 2020

Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour has revealed how a conversation with Frank Lampard convinced him not to go out on loan and compete for opportunities at the club.

The 18-year-old has joined several Blues academy graduates in forcing their way into the first team during Lampard's reign at Stamford Bridge, most notably starring against Liverpool with a man-of-the-match performance.

Gilmour excelled once again when making his full Premier League debut in the 4-0 win against Everton, earning rave reviews from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, and the Scot has been tipped for a bright future at Stamford Bridge.

But the youngster admitted he thought he would be spending the season out on loan to gain some first-team experience and thanked Lampard for showing faith in his ability.

"I went on pre-season with the first team and did well," he told the club's official website.

Gilmour has made seven appearances for Chelsea this season  Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"I thought when we came back I’d be going on loan but the gaffer and Jody spoke to me and said they thought it was best for me to stay, play games with the Under-23s and train with the first team a lot more.

"I was happy with that, especially the chance to get more opportunities to train with the first team and express myself and show them what I’m about."

Gilmour, who signed a four-year contract with the west London outfit in November, believes being promoted to the first team was key in helping his progress.

"Around Christmas time, I was thinking I might go out on loan for the rest of the season but got told to stay again and got moved into the first team building," he said.

"That’s when I started to kick on from there by playing games consecutively and playing well.

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"It’s worked out really well for me and all I can do is thank the manager for trusting in me."

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