Former Ireland international Gary Breen praised Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour after the Blues' 4-0 victory over Everton this afternoon.

The Scotland under-21 international put in a man-of-the-match performance as Chelsea swept aside Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Breen says he was extremely impressed with the 18-year-old Glaswegian, believing that he has all the assets to be a big hit with the Stamford Bridge faithful.

"Today's performance was so impressive from Billy Gilmour.  It is the first chance I have got to see him live.

"He initially started the game at the base of that midfield.

"There are huge responsibilities in terms of being able to play through him, being able to protect two centre-backs - Rudiger and Zouma - who are not at the level you normally associate.

He did that brilliantly."

"When you're looking at young players you certainly want to see if they've got that maturity to play a style of football that's beyond their years."

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Billy Gilmour

He pointed out the responsibilities Frank Lampard has given the player as being a major factor in why the midfielder may go on to be a regular for the Blues.

"There was a second-half substitution where he was then pushed forward into advanced midfield - in the number ten area - and he looked no different. He looked so comfortable."

Gilmour signed from Rangers last year and Breen says Chelsea fought hard to sign him.

"I heard a lot about him and about how hard Chelsea fought to get him from Rangers."

It is the second outing for Gilmour in Lampard's side after last week's FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

Breen believes the Chelsea manager trusts the player after seeing what he has been able to do on the ball for Chelsea.

"[Chelsea] are giving Billy Gilmour the ball on the edge of his own box when the two centre-halves are splitting, knowing that if he loses it you're going to concede a goal.

"If you have that trust in him, to be able to do that even when his man is closing him down, then that suggests that he has a big future ahead of him."

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