Billy Gilmour has revealed that he was considering pushing for a loan move away from Chelsea before Frank Lampard stepped in.
The 18-year-old was expecting to find himself on the fringes of the fold at Stamford Bridge in 2019-20 despite being a talent held in the highest regard.
A new coaching regime in west London has, however, made it clear that they will be showing considerable faith in youth.
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Academy graduates are being given a chance to shine, with Gilmour among those to have seen competitive minutes.
The Scotland U21 international is delighted to be part of the fold, having shelved his plans to look for minutes elsewhere.