Roy Keane has revealed that Billy Gilmour’s display in Chelsea ’s 2-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday “got [me] out of my seat”.
The teenager played the full 90 minutes for the Blues and was named man of the match after goals from Willian and Ross Barkley meant Frank Lampard ’s men progressed through to the quarter finals.
As a result, Lampard handed Gilmour another start for the Premier League clash with Everton and, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Keane was full of praise for the 18-year-old.
“From his performance the other night, I thought he was fantastic,” Keane said.
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“I was sitting at home having a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate with the TV on in front of me without the volume on, and as the game started, I literally got out of my seat, which I very rarely do, and I thought 'Who is this kid in midfield?'
“There are certain traits you want from a midfielder; obviously they have got to be quality on the ball, have football intelligence, have composure… he had everything.
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“It was one of the best performances I have seen in a long, long time. But the downside for the kid now is that he has got to back it up. He started so well.
“But Frank [Lampard] has made the point that he has got to keep that up now. It is a different type of test for him today to back that up.”
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When asked what impressed him most about the midfielder, Keane replied: “It was just his general play with the game the way started.
“He was just like a world class player, that is just what he looked like. I thought it was one of their experienced lads. I kept a close eye on him for the rest of the game and everything that he did just had quality written all over it.
“He looks a small kid but he has a big composure about him. I look forward to seeing him again today.”
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