Under-21 boss explains why Gilmour is unlikely to get Scotland call-up

Scotland Under-21 boss Scott Gemmill says Billy Gilmour is part of his squad because Steve Clarke wants him to remain with the younger age group for the time being.

Gilmour’s recent couple of brilliant performances for Chelsea’s first team led to reports that Scotland manager Clarke could call the teenager up for the Euro 2020 qualifying play-off against Israel.

However, the midfielder has been named in Gemmill’s squad for Under-21 European Championship qualifiers against Croatia and Greece.

Gemmill said: “He’s a really good player. He’s done excellently for all of the national youth age groups.

“Moving forward, I’m very confident that he will get to play for the full squad as well. But at the moment he’s an Under-21 player until Steve Clarke decides otherwise.

“I spoke to Steve and right now he is happy for Billy to be selected for the Under-21s. But, as is the same with all the players, at any moment that can change.

“It (a senior call-up) can happen to them at any time and we’ve got a big responsibility to make that happen for them and help that happen for them.”

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