Lampard refuses to rule out loan for Billy Gilmour

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has conceded that young midfielder Billy Gilmour could still be sent out on loan in the January transfer window, but for the moment the plan is to keep the Scot at Stamford Bridge.

Though he has found first-team opportunities tough to come by, Gilmour has impressed in the minutes he has been given.

He was handed a start in the FA Cup this weekend as Chelsea successfully knocked out Luton, and once again looked the part in midfield this time alongside Mason Mount.

In order for his development to continue, he has been linked with a loan move, potentially to another Premier League club or possibly a team in the Championship.

When asked about this following the cup win, Lampard admitted it could still happen, saying:

“At the moment, he won’t go on loan but we will keep it open until the end of the month.”

The Chelsea manager then proceeded to lavish praise Gilmour’s performance against Luton, saying when plays like that it is very hard to leave him out of the team.

 “His comfort on the ball, the way he moved it, his discipline, his personality was great”, Lampard explained.

“If he plays like he does today, it makes it very difficult for me not to give him a run. He trains that way too.

“With his youth and the injury he had, and with the difficult run we’ve been on in the last month, it’s been a case of me finding the right time to get Billy in. Today felt like the right time and he was brilliant.”

Against Luton, Gilmour had a remarkable pass completion rate of 93%, while he won 4/8 duels and, surprisingly considering his small stature, 100% of his aerial duels.

Gilmour has previously commented on his future with the club, suggesting he could leave on loan also.