Billy Gilmour: Midfielder selected for Scotland U21s but could join senior squad
- Published
Gilmour with under-21s until Clarke says otherwise - Gemmill
Billy Gilmour has been named in the Scotland Under-21s squad but could still be included in the senior squad for the Euro 2020 play-offs.
Midfielder Gilmour, 18, has started Chelsea's past two games, with manager Frank Lampard calling him "incredible".
However that impact will not necessarily earn him a first Scotland summons, with head coach Steve Clarke content to leave him with the 21s while he considers whether to include him for the semi-final with Israel on 26 March.
Clarke is expected to name his squad for the Hampden game - and a potential play-off final with Norway or Serbia on 31 March - early next week.
In the meantime, Gilmour will feature in Scot Gemmill's squad for the Euro Under-21 Championship qualifiers with Croatia and Greece on the same dates. The midfielder has played 12 times and scored once for Gemmill's team.
'If he's not going to play, why have him there?' - analysis
Former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam on Sportsound
I don't think he should be in the senior squad. If he's not going to play, why just have him there? If he's going to be playing for the under-21s, he's going to get another two games. Being in the 21s will be good for him.
He's a talent, best player we've had for a long time. It's good to see such a young kid playing with a smile on his face. He's been terrific for the two games.
Scotland U21 squad
Goalkeepers: Ross Doohan (Ayr United*); Robbie McCrorie (Livingston**); Kieran Wright (Alloa***)
Defenders: Daniel Harvie (Ayr United); George Johnston (Feyenoord); Barry Maguire (Motherwell); Lewis Mayo (Partick Thistle**); Ross McCrorie (Portsmouth**); Patrick Reading (Stevenage); Stephen Welsh (Celtic)
Midfielders: Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen); Billy Gilmour (Chelsea); Andy Irving (Hearts); Stephen Kelly (Ayr United**); Lewis Moore (Hearts); Lewis Smith (Hamilton)
Forwards: Louis Appere (Dundee United); Jamie Gullan (Hibernian); Fraser Hornby (KV Kortrijk***); Connor McLennan (Abrdeen); Glenn Middleton (Bradford City**)
*On loan from Celtic; **On loan from Rangers; ***On loan from Everton