Norwich City’s Kenny McLean claimed club colleague Bill Gilmour is on the path to greatness, whether that be with Chelsea or another team.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McLean held little uncertainty over the career path of his fellow countryman.
Despite Gilmour’s undeniable talent, the midfielder has really only taken baby steps into the senior game.
From top to the bottom
After making his Chelsea first-team debut in 2019, expectations surrounding the Scotsman rose.
This excitement increased further, following a few fine performances under Frank Lampard.
Thomas Tuchel clearly saw plenty of potential in the 20-year-old, but not quite as much as his predecessor.
Tuchel decided Gilmour’s development would be best served away from Stamford Bridge and sent him on loan to Norwich in the summer.
Unfortunately, it appears the opposite effect has happened.
The Scotland international has only made two Premier League appearances since the middle of September.
However, the most recent outing arrived in the 2-1 win over Southampton last weekend.
Dean Smith took charge of his first game as Norwich manager, following the departure of Daniel Farke.
He instantly reinstalled Gilmour to the starting line-up and the results were clear to see.
Bright lights for Billy
Hopefully, for the Cobham academy graduate, Smith’s introduction can be the catalyst for his trajectory to begin shooting upwards once more.
“He will be a superstar, I’ve got no doubt about that,” said McClean of his compatriot.
“I mean, I don’t really need to say too much because people see enough of him to know that.
“But, away from what people see, he deserves everything he gets because of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes
“He doesn’t just turn up on a Saturday and rely on his ability, which he could do, which a lot of people might do.
“He puts the hard yards in, he puts the work in.
“The stats that he puts in, the distance he covers, the amount of work he does for the team goes on top of that ability he’s got.”
McLean knows more than most about Gilmour’s gift.
The pair share a dressing room with Norwich and Scotland.
He is aware above anybody else how talented his junior co-worker really is.
If it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth, we better believe it.
Although, Chelsea fans have already predicted wonderful things for Gilmour in the future.
It is about time he started fulfilling this prophecy.