Billy Gilmour ready to 'test limits' after breaking into Chelsea first team

Scottish midfielder has impressed since earning his chance in Frank Lampard's midfield

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour shields the ball from Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino during the FA CUp fifth round match at Stamford Bridge. Getty Images

Billy Gilmour lunges into a tackle against Takumi Minamino. AFP

Billy Gilmour shields the ball from Takumi Minamino. AFP

Billy Gilmour dribbles the ball away from Takumi Minamino. Getty Images

Billy Gilmour begins to bribble the ball away from Takumi Minamino. Getty Images

Billy Gilmour challenges for the ball against Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. AP Photo

Billy Gilmour takes the ball away from Takumi Minamino. AP Photo

Billy Gilmour is tackled by Curtis Jones. AP Photo

Billy Gilmour battles for the ball with Curtis Jones. AP Photo

Billy Gilmour makes a pass during the FA Cup fifth round game against Liverpool. Reuters

Billy Gilmour puts in a tackle on Takumi Minamino. PA

Billy Gilmour challenges Liverpool forward Sadio Mane for the ball. Reuters

Billy Gilmour celebrates with Ross Barkley, who scored Chelsea's second goal. Reuters

Billy Gilmour, right, controls the ball in front of Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana AP Photo

Billy Gilmour attempts a shot on goal against Liverpool. PA

Billy Gilmour dives into a challenge against Adam Lallana. AP Photo

Chelsea teenager Billy Gilmour has said he is determined to keep testing himself in the Premier League having made his breakthrough into the first-team and hopes it will lead to a call-up to the Scotland squad.

The 18-year-old Glasgow-born midfielder impressed on his Chelsea debut in the FA Cup against Liverpool and took the man-of-the-match award when he made his Premier League bow versus Everton.

Roy Keane was among Gilmour's many admirers after the display against Everton and he clearly has a bright future at Chelsea under manager Frank Lampard, who has shown his willingness to give young players a chance at Stamford Bridge.

"I always wanted to go and play in the Premier League to test myself and see what my limit is," Gilmour told Sky Sports.

"Leading up to the games, I was thinking about what I'm going to do. The gaffer said 'Go out and play your own game'. That gives you a lot of confidence.

"When I was on the ball I felt good. I had players running off me which made it a lot easier. To get first-team experience against Liverpool felt good.

"After the game, I swapped shirts with Andy Robertson. He came up to me after the game and said 'well done, you played really well, keep doing it and hopefully see you soon in the first-team squad'.

"That was great to hear that from the captain of the country. Everyone knows my feelings about representing my country. Hopefully I'm not far off it. I just need to keep working hard and see where it takes me."

Gilmour, who says Andreas Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas are the players who have inspired him, would be happy to play anywhere in midfield but admits operating in a deep lying role gives him the chance to start play.

He added: "When I first came, I'd say I was more of an attacking midfielder, and then Jody Morris [Chelsea assistant manager] turned me into a deeper player. To get on the ball and start play is best for me, but I am happy playing anywhere."