Frank Lampard hints he has ‘next Paul Scholes’ in mind as Chelsea solution

Chelsea have had little to shout about in recent weeks – but the performance of Billy Gilmour against Luton Town was a clear reason for optimism.

The 19-year-old midfielder put in another bright display in the 3-1 FA Cup win at Stamford Bridge to send a clear message to Lampard.

The young Scot has found opportunities limited in the Premier League but Frank Lampard’s side have struggled in recent weeks.

Gilmour’s FA Cup display has seen many calling for him to be given more first-team football as Lampard looks for a solution to recent struggles.

After the game, Lampard hailed the “outstanding” teenager and hinted at a U-turn over the idea of sending him out on loan as he looks to introduce him to the first-team fold.

Lampard said: “He was outstanding today. He's comfortable on the ball, his discipline, he was outstanding.

“With his youth and the injury he had, and with the run we've been on, it's about finding the right time to bring him in.

“For the short term, he won't be going out on loan but we'll keep that open a little until the end of the month.”

The former England midfielder has previously indicated he sees similarities between Gilmour and Premier League icon Paul Scholes in terms of what he brings to the table.

Speaking after Gilmour impressed Roy Keane with some of his early performances last season, Lampard said: "Paul Scholes is obviously one of the greatest midfield players I’ve played against in the Premier League.

"He would always pick the right pass, he had incredible range. If you did try and jump from midfield and get to him and get close to him he’d just play it around the corner because he knew you were coming.

"Billy has shown early signs of that kind of ability.

"I’m not comparing him to Scholesy, no way at all, but in terms of those basics that you mentioned, then Billy certainly has them and that’s a great platform to build hopefully a fantastic career.”

Whilst Lampard has not yet called on those talents on many occasions in the Premier League, the Luton Town tie, coupled with recent performances, could be a turning point.

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