Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean has backed new colleague Billy Gilmour to earn a starting berth at Chelsea following his period at Carrow Road.
The Blues midfielder made a loan switch to the newly-promoted Canaries last week in an effort to earn more Premier League experience. He has joined the club on loan until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
With the success of Spurs’ midfielder Oliver Skipp throughout last season, many have expected Gilmour to impress during his time in East Anglia.
That is a theory that current Norwich man McLean agrees with having played with Gilmour on the international stage.
Talking to BBC Sportsound shortly after confirmation of the midfielder’s arrival, he said: "His quality will ensure he plays week in and week out.
"This league is going to be his level for the next 10-12 years. Long term, he will be a Chelsea midfielder. I don't think there's any doubt about that.
"It's a great signing and I think he'll fit in perfectly. We try and play a bit and that will suit him because he wants to be on the ball and dictating games.
"Hopefully I can help him along with his progression. He wears my number 23 and he's already text me to say he's taking it!"
Ahead of his move to Norwich, Gilmour had already racked up plenty of experience with parent club Chelsea.
At the age of 20, he already has 22 Chelsea first-team appearances to his name having been handed his debut by Frank Lampard.
The Scot struggled to force himself into the side under Thomas Tuchel though, making just five outings following injury before his eventual exit this summer.
Gilmour continued to impress for Scotland at Euro 2020 though, whilst a positive COVID-19 test saw his tournament curtailed.
McLean has suggested that his showings for his nation could potentially have seen a considerable amount of competition for his signature but has hailed Norwich as the ideal destination for the young midfielder.
"Norwich showed an interest in him before that game at Wembley and they'd be panicking because I'm sure there was plenty more interest afterwards," he continued.
“Our manager worked with the Chelsea manager so I think he knows that he’s going to be coached right and he can bring his game on at us.
“Hopefully we’re good for him and he’s good for us."
