CHELSEA midfielder Billy Gilmour has signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge that will keep him tied to the club until 2023.
The former Rangers academy player was handed his debut by Frank Lampard in the team's 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at the end of last month and has been included in Chelsea's squad for this year's Champions League.
Speaking to the club's website, the Scotland under-21 international said: "It’s really exciting for me and my family to sign this four-year deal with the club.
"Frank has come in and everyone is buzzing, training is really good and there’s a high standard to everything we do. There are exciting times ahead and hopefully I can work hard to get more opportunities as well."
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When asked about his senior debut for Chelsea, Gilmour replied: "It was amazing to make my debut and for the gaffer to show his trust in me in a tight game.
"A draw wasn’t the result we wanted but he showed his faith in me and I thank him for that. Now I need to make sure it wasn’t just a one-off and keep showing him I’ve got a lot more to give."
Gilmor will still play a role in Chelsea's development squad this season, but is relishing the opportunity to prove himself in the first team.
"I was one of the younger players in the team last season but this year I want to make sure I’m one of the senior figures in the dressing room, make sure my standards are high and I’m pushing the team in the right way," he said.
"We’ve got a good enough team and we’ve started really well so I don’t see why we can’t push on and challenge for the league. Individually, I want to make sure I’m involved with the senior team as much as I can be and try to push for more appearances."
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