Gilmour deserves people talking about him after Chelsea showing - Lampard

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes 18-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour deserves to have people talking about him after his man-of-the-match performance in the Blues' 2-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round. 

Making just his fifth senior appearance of the season, Gilmour impressed across the entire 90 minutes, not letting his lack of first-team experience nor height hold him back against the Reds. 

Goalscorer Ross Barkley wasn't surprised by the performance from the teenager, while Lampard praised the maturity of his performance, declaring he's more than earned people's attention. 

"What an incredible performance for a young player. He was a calm head in that first five or 10 minutes," Lampard told BBC One. 

"He's a throwback of a midfielder. Can you put your foot in? Yes. Can you make angles to play the passes? Yes. He's only slight in stature but he's huge in personality.

"He deserves people to talk about him after a performance like that."

While used predominantly in Chelsea's U23's side this season, Lampard hinted that he's open to handing Gilmour more first-team opportunities as he continues to impress when given the chance. 

The Blues boss has made the most of the club's academy over the past few months and suggested Gilmour is now very much in his plans moving forward. 

"I’ve got absolute trust in Billy. When you watch him play, I remember when we drew against Sheffield United and people asked me after the game 'This kid looks like a 15 year old'. But I’ve no problem with him because if he is small in stature he is huge in personality and talent," Lampard added in his post-match press conference. 

"For me when I look at a midfield player I ask: does he want to receive the ball in all positions - yes he does. Does he pick the right pass - yes he generally does. Will he put his foot in - yes he does.

"All his family were here tonight from Scotland. What a performance."  

Chelsea next face Everton at home in the Premier League on Sunday with the Blues currently fourth but only three points clear of fifth-place Manchester United.