Nevin shares what Chelsea player said to him after he was dropped against Newcastle last season

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Pat Nevin highlighted the character of Billy Gilmour after revealing the brief conversation they had following a Chelsea match.

Speaking on the BBC Football Daily podcast, Nevin was basking in the fact Gilmour had been selected for Scotland’s European Championship squad.

The 19-year-old has hardly played any football for Chelsea this season, nor has he been capped for the senior national side.

However, he still managed to squeeze into Steve Clarke’s 26-man group, aided by his undeniable quality.

Pat’s chats with Billy

Any Blues fan can agree on Gilmour’s talents, but they might not know much about his personality.

“He’s quite controlled,” explained Nevin, who is a huge admirer of the young midfielder.

“First time I talked to him was ages ago. It was a game against Newcastle (United). Chelsea didn’t win [the game in January 2020].

“He was sitting behind the bench and he’s walked by. I said to him, ‘could have done with you out there mate.’

“He laughed. I said, ‘no, I mean it, I really mean it.’ And he went, ‘yeah I know.’

“He wasn’t arrogant, he was just dead cool about it.”

Nevin continued to praise the player’s actual sporting skills, saying: “He has got something special about him.

“He’s pings a ball in a certain way when he passes it. Every ball is like that.

“It’s a specialty thing. Jorginho is fabulous. But Billy zips it in better than him.”

Gilmour has got it

Some might view it as a risky punt to pick Gilmour for the international tournament.

Based purely on minutes for club and country in the past year, he probably shouldn’t have earned the call up.

Yet, Clarke has demonstrated his trust in potential by picking Nathan Patterson and David Turnbull, two other uncapped players for Scotland’s first team.

Plus, Gilmour’s brief performances for Chelsea should be evidence enough he can rub shoulders with the biggest stars.

Thomas Tuchel started the teenager in three consecutive Premier League games – against Fulham, Manchester City and Arsenal – and each time he impressed.

Representing his nation on the grandest footballing stage could possibly propel the Blues prodigy into serious contention at Stamford Bridge next season.

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