Rangers could be the next step in Stamford Bridge youngster’s development
There is “no better place” for Billy Gilmour to get game time than Rangers.
That’s according to Ibrox legend Brian Laudrup, who played for both Rangers and Chelsea during his illustrious career.
While his stint at Stamford Bridge was less successful, Laudrup is recognised as one of the greatest players to have worn a Rangers shirt.
He believes Billy Gilmour is capable of achieving real success, and that a temporary return to Glasgow could be of benefit to all parties with Euro 2020 only months away.
The 19-year-old started out in Rangers’ youth setup before joining Chelsea in July 2017, and caught the eye last season with consecutive Man of the Match awards under Frank Lampard against Liverpool and Everton.
He’s found chances hard to come by this season, and there has been speculation linking him with a return to Ibrox on loan.
Speaking on page 16 of Tuesday’s Scottish Daily Mail sport section, Laudrup said: The next three or four months are huge for Gilmour.
“If he can get a number of games at Chelsea and show (Thomas) Tuchel he is definitely capable of playing in his team, he then becomes very interesting for Scotland ahead of the Euros.
“He’s got the talent, for sure, to succeed at international level, but you have to grow first as a player and a person with your club. I read that he would have been interested in a loan before the window closed to improve his chances of making Steve Clarke’s squad.
“The fact Chelsea kept him is a show of faith on their part, but if he doesn’t play much this season, then a temporary move might be best for all parties in the summer.
“Would a return to Rangers be suitable then? I know Steven Gerrard denied they were looking to take Gilmour on loan last month, when he described him as ‘a fabulous little player’.
It’s all hypothetical, of course, but it’s a thought that intrigues me for the future.
“Look at the Rangers midfield just now. Steven Davis does that deep-lying playmaker role extremely well but he will be another year older next season and won’t be able to play every week. I think we saw again at Hamilton how much he can be missed when he’s not in the side.
“From Gilmour’s point of view, there could be Champions League group stage football on offer. That would be another incentive for his development.
“Also, while some people in England might talk negatively about Scottish football at times, I don’t think you could find a better place than Rangers to get game time and play in the right style of football.
“That’s crucial. People at Chelsea would know the technical type of play Gerrard demands of his team.
“To me, that kind of situation would be a win-win for everyone. Whether it’s possible, I really don’t know. We’ll find out in three or four months’ time, perhaps. But just as an idea, it carries an appeal.”
Gilmour, who reportedly earns £43,269 per week at Stamford Bridge, has made six appearances this season.
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