Billy Gilmour has has credited Frank Lampard for handing him an opportunity in the Chelsea first team.
The 18-year-old looked set for a season with the under-23s going into the new season, but instead has been afforded an opportunity to impress in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.
Gilmour admitted that he was considering going on loan for the season, but said that Lampard made a real effort to assure him that he had a place in his plans.
He said: "In pre-season the manager had a chat with me saying he knew I wanted to go on loan but said it would be better if I stayed.
“Obviously it’s working. He’s looking at younger players. With the transfer ban it’s hard but it’s good experience for us. Hopefully, I can try to get more first-team games.
“He talks to you normally, tells you you’re doing well and says if I want to keep training with them I need to keep my standards up.
“I wanted to follow my dream and to play in the Premier League and choosing Chelsea has turned out to be the right move. I’m enjoying it. The plan for me was set up and I’m now ahead of the plan.
“I thought I was going to play two years at Under-18s but I played one at 18s and then moved on to the Under-23s.
“This year should be my first year at 23s but I’m one of the senior players. I am training with the first team and I have had a couple of games so I’m in a good position now.”
