Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour has sent a message to Blues fans following his Premier League debut on Saturday.
The 18-year-old made his first team debut in the 2-2 home draw against Sheffield United, replacing Mateo Kovacic to play the final six minutes of the match.
A late own goal from Kurt Zouma meant that Chelsea would have to settle for a point from the game, despite leading by two goals to nil at half-time.
Gilmour is highly rated in the Blues academy, he was included in Frank Lampard's squad that flew to Ireland in pre-season. He was also an unused Substitute in the UEFA Super Cup final against Liverpool earlier in the season.
After the game, the teenager posted on social media about his pride at making his first senior Blues appearance.
"Gutted with the result. Proud to be given the opportunity to make my professional debut in the premier league," he wrote.
Chelsea head coach Lampard has since defended his decision at giving Gilmour his debut as the Blues were trying to see the game out.
“I have faith in Billy coming through, I think he is going to have a big future. But we obviously have an injury with N’Golo, we all know he is a fantastic player for us. Billy is on the bench, as simple as that. We know we have a ban, the squad is what the squad is," he said.
“If you want to talk midfield players we have got Jorginho, Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Barkley, Reece James coming back from injury who can play in midfield, Andreas Christensen who can play in midfield, I have to make decisions on the squad as a whole, that is my job."
