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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Kenny Miller has told BBC Sport that he believes Billy Gilmour should be fast-tracked into the Scotland senior side.
What did he say?
Gilmour joined Chelsea from Rangers in 2017, and has impressed for the club’s youth sides. So much so, he was even given his first taste of professional action against Sheffield United in the last Premier League game before the international break.
With a big future ahead of him, 39-year-old Miller clearly believes that the midfielder should already be a part of Steve Clarke’s plans, saying: “In days gone by, people said you had to go through the proper steps before becoming a full international. But look at England and what they have done in the last few years.”
“I think we could be getting Billy Gilmour in now and there’s probably a few others. I know he’s been away with a few camps training and it is a huge step – and especially without first-team football – but we need to get these guys in to progress.”
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Boost for sorry Scots
When Scotland won their Nations League group last year, there was hope that they could finally haul themselves out of the doldrums on the international stage. However, that optimism has been all but extinguished in their attempts to qualify for Euro 2020.
In their first six qualifiers, they have lost four, including an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against minnows Kazakhstan. More recently, they were thumped by Belgium 4-0 on Monday, which means their quest to qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament is all but over.
Something needs to change for Scotland, and introducing promising talents such as Gilmour into the first team could be a way to do it. Miller alluded to England’s policy in recent years, and the most relevant comparison to make would be with Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 18-year-old had yet to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea when he was first selected in England’s starting XI, but his display against Montenegro proved it was the right decision.
Wales, too, have followed a similar path. Ben Woodburn made his first appearance for Wales as a 17-year-old and made his first league start for Liverpool seven months later, while Harry Wilson did not make his first professional club appearance until two years after his international bow.
With so little for the Tartan Army to be happy about at the moment, showcasing the youth talent they have at their disposal will give their supporters something to hold on to.
Gilmour’s introduction to the side would point to a brighter future for the national team, which is exactly what is needed during this poor run of form.
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