CHELSEA starlet Billy Gilmour has revealed Frank Lampard snubbed his request to go out on loan this season.
The teenage midfielder asked Lampard if he could be shipped out over the summer in order to get regular football he felt would develop his game.
But the newly-installed Chelsea boss told Gilmour that it was better for his long-term future if he remained at Stamford Bridge for the year.
And the 18-year-old has since made two first-time appearances this season – including his Premier League debut.
Gilmour, who moved to the Blues academy from Scottish side Rangers two years ago, said: “In pre-season the manager had a chat with me saying he knew I wanted to go on loan but said it would be better if I stayed.
“Obviously it’s working. He’s looking at younger players. With the transfer ban it’s hard but it’s good experience for us.
“Hopefully, I can try to get more first-team games.
“He talks to you normally, tells you you’re doing well and says if I want to keep training with them I need to keep my standards up.
“I wanted to follow my dream and to play in the Premier League and choosing Chelsea has turned out to be the right move. I’m enjoying it.
“The plan for me was set up and I’m now ahead of the plan.
“I thought I was going to play two years at Under-18s but I played one at 18s and then moved on to the Under-23s.
“This year should be my first year at 23s but I’m one of the senior players.
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“I am training with the first team and I have had a couple of games so I’m in a good position now.”
Gilmour made his debut in the league when he came on as substitute in the 2-2 home draw against Sheffield United.
He followed that up by playing the full 90 minutes as Chelsea beat Grimsby 7-1 in the Carabao Cup.
