Chelsea
have confirmed Billy Gilmour has been permanently promoted into Frank
Lampard's first-team squad.
The 18-year-old revealed that Lampard had broken the news to him after
Chelsea's 2-2 Premier League draw at Leicester.
Gilmour, who will now battle to add to the two top-flight appearances he has
made this term, admitted he has realised a big dream in taking a sizeable
step forward in his career.
"It's a massive moment for me and I'm really happy," he said.
"I went with the squad to Leicester and even though I wasn't involved, the
gaffer pulled me afterwards to tell me that after the winter break I'd be
with the first team permanently.
"It's a dream come true for me. It's the first big step I think, moving into
the first-team dressing room at a club like Chelsea. It's massive for me."
Lampard did not hide any frustrations with Chelsea's inability to bolster
their squad in the January transfer window, previously insisting the Blues
are now "underdogs" for a top-four finish.
The former England midfielder has moved quickly to promote Gilmour however,
in yet another demonstration of his faith in the young talent emerging
through the Stamford Bridge ranks.
And Gilmour admitted Lampard's support is a constant boost to the youngsters
bidding to make their name in west London.
"Knowing that the manager has such faith in you is massive, it gives me so
much confidence when I step onto the field," Gilmour told Chelsea's official
club website.
"It's really good knowing that he trusts in you and likes the way you play,
and I think that's the same for everyone here. Age isn't really an issue
here. The gaffer has shown that if you work hard and perform well, then you
will get opportunities.
"Hopefully I can keep pushing on and work hard every day in training."
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