It was a night to remember for Billy Gilmour as he made his full Chelsea debut.
The 18-year-old has featured as a substitute against Sheffield United this season, but was afforded a bigger stage to make his mark as he started the Carabao Cup victory over Grimsby Town.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website , he said: "It was a really good feeling to make my full debut, and it was really good to get the win.
"It was breathtaking. It was a great night to walk out in front of all the Chelsea fans. And the boys performed really well. You could see the attacking threat we had with the goals.
"The gaffer has come in and wants to play the youth. It’s been really good experience for us and the we’re gaining confidence from it. I have worked hard for this so it wasn’t a shock, but I had to step up and show what I’m capable of. I think I played well.
"When you go to the training ground the gaffer will ask you to come and train with the senior team if you’re doing really well. It goes for all the boys; it doesn’t matter your age.
"If you’re training well, working hard, playing well, the coaches all speak, and that’s where everyone want to be. They’re always coming over, watching training, watching our games, interacting with us. It’s a great environment at our training ground."
Gilmour looked more than comfortable on the ball against the League Two side, and the 18-year-old had a simple explanation for his lack of nerves.
He said: "I’m Scottish!’
"No, I’m not shy. On the pitch it’s football. If you’re not going to talk, what are you doing on the pitch? You need to communicate. I love football, a big part of my game is communicating.
"I’m just taking it a step at a time. I’ve got the 23s, we’re doing really well there. Of course I want to get as many opportunities with the first team as possible. I just need to keep training hard and working hard."
