18-year old Billy Gilmour looked like a 'world-class player' during Chelsea's win over Liverpool, according to Roy Keane.
The former Republic of Ireland international was speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Chelsea's game with Everton and praised the youngster for a composed performance against Jurgen Klopp's side.
"I was sitting at home with a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate in front of me and I didn't have the volume on.
"When the game started I got out of my seat, which I rarely do and I thought: 'Who is this kid?'
"There are certain traits you want from a midfielder, whether it's quality on the ball, football intelligence or composure.
"He had everything, it was one of the best performances I have seen in a long, long time. The downside for the kid now is he has got to back it up," Keane said.
While the Scot couldn't have asked for a better start to his career at Chelsea, the Manchester United legend stressed the importance of maintaining his high standards.
"I didn't have the volume on. I didn't want to listen to the commentators."
A jovial Roy Keane is full of praise for Chelsea's 18-year-old Billy Gilmour...
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"Frank (Lampard) has made the point there, it's all very well coming in and doing well - he's got to keep that up now.
"It's a different kind of test for him now to back it up. It was like a world-class player. That's what he looked like straight away.
"I thought it was one of their experienced lads and then I kept a close eye on him for the rest of the game and everything he did just had quality written all over it.
"Obviously he's a small kid but he has a big composure about him and I can't wait to see him again today," Keane commented.
John Giles' take on Gilmour
Irish football legend John Giles was also extremely impressed by Chelsea's new midfielder as he told Off The Ball during the week.
"I was very impressed with him. He is the best midfield player I have seen in a long time.
"In terms of a midfield player doing the traditional job - you couldn't earmark him as an attacking midfielder or a holding midfielder - he was just a midfield player.
"He got forward at the right time and he got back at the right time.
"We saw the experienced players on the pitch - Jorginho came on, Fabinho for Liverpool - and in my opinion, he was better than either of them," Giles said.
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