CHELSEA sensation Billy Gilmour has been named in Scotland’s U21 squad despite calls for the midfielder to be included in the senior set-up.
The 18-year-old was tipped to join Steve Clarke’s side for the first time following a stunning breakthrough week at Stamford Bridge.
Gilmour has started Chelsea’s last two games, earning back-to-back man-of-the-match performances in wins over Liverpool and Everton.
Scotland face Israel in a crunch Euro 2020 play-off at Hampden Park on March 26 ahead of a potential trip to either Norway or Serbia.
Former Chelsea assistant Clarke is expected to name his squad for the games early next week.
But current Blues starlet Gilmour will feature in Scot Gemmill’s squad for the Euro Under-21 Championship qualifiers with Croatia and Greece on the same dates.
The ex-Rangers ace, who made his debut at U21 level at the Toulon Tournament in 2018, could still be a late fixture in Scotland’s senior squad.
Boss Gemmill revealed that Gilmour can use England legend Wayne Rooney as a role model for sustaining success.
He said: “Billy’s recent performances have gone a huge way to confirming his talent we’ve all spoken about.
“I met Steve [Clarke] and right now, Steve is happy for Billy to be selected for the Under-21s. But as is the same with all the players, that can change at any moment.
“During my playing career, I was at Everton when Wayne Rooney was given an opportunity at a young age.
“He’s gone on to have an unbelievable career. So I think if you’re a good enough player, you can play, it’s as simple as that.
“Billy has stepped up. He’s been given an opportunity at a fantastic level, at a fantastic club.
“His manager has been unbelievable for him to give him that opportunity and Billy has gone a big way to confirming that potential.
“I’m very confident he’ll get to play for the full [Scotland] squad as well.”
