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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Billy Gilmour signs new Chelsea contract after first-team breakthrough

Lampard showed his faith in Gilmour by giving him his Premier League debut in the draw with Sheffield United (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour has signed a new four-year deal with the club after making his first-team breakthrough.

The 18-year-old Scot made his Premier League debut for the Blues in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United before the international break.

"It's really exciting for me and my family to sign this four-year deal with the club," the midfielder told Chelsea's official website.

Gilmour added praise for manager Frank Lampard, adding: "Frank has come in and everyone is buzzing, training is really good and there's a high standard to everything we do.

"There are exciting times ahead and hopefully I can work hard to get more opportunities as well."

(AFP/Getty Images)

Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller has called for Gilmour to be fast-tracked into the national side’s senior set-up.

"In days gone by, people said you had to go through the proper steps before becoming a full international," Miller said. "But look at England and what they have done in the last few years.

"Hudson-Odoi started an England game before he had started a Chelsea Premier League match.

"I think we could be getting Billy Gilmour in now and there's probably a few others. I know he's been away with a few camps training and it is a huge step - and especially without first-team football - but we need to get these guys in to progress.

"England can do it. Wales have done it. Can we fast-track him? I also believe you have to have earned that right, but there are exceptions."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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