These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Gilmour’s ‘incredible’ impact

Speaking on Sky Sports before our game at Palace last night, Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Cole were both full of praise for the impact Billy Gilmour has had on the Premier League when stepping into the senior side at Chelsea.

The young Scot made his debut from the bench against Sheffield United in August but has since been made a permanent member of the senior squad by head coach Frank Lampard, starting last night’s win at Crystal Palace in place of the injured N’Golo Kante.

Speaking ahead of kick-off on Sky Sports last night, Redknapp was quick to praise the midfielder but also suggested that Gilmour has room for further improvement.

‘He’s had an incredible impact and in the FA Cup game against Liverpool, where he was exceptional’, Redknapp stated, in a report published by Football London.

‘We haven’t seen too many players who burst onto the scene, like he did. He looks comfortable in possession, he’s always got a picture of where he wants to go, he always looks to pass forward - which I really like in midfielders.

‘But I have noticed in that period, and when you start as well as he did, you will get identified, and teams will start to close you down.

‘He was so pivotal in what Chelsea were doing well. I saw that in the Leicester game, where you could see midfielders starting to close him.

‘Teams will look at you, when you’re comfortable on the ball, to try not to give him time. They know how important he is to make this Chelsea team tick.’

Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole was alongside Redknapp on the Sky Sports sofa and he was similar in his praise for young Billy.

‘He’s inexperienced, but he’s brought a bit of maturity to the game,’ added Cole.

‘As Jamie said, he’s brave enough to play forward. He knows when to play back to create space, to then create space to penetrate balls through.

‘So, I think the main thing is, Chelsea are fighting for the top four and Frank is brave enough to play him. I think that shows the maturity of him and the quality that he possesses.’

Hodgson laments timing of Cahill injury

Speaking to TalkSport, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said his team deserved more from their 3-2 loss to Chelsea on Tuesday although he had no complaints about the circumstances which led to the Blues’ opening goal.

The former England manager saw his side fall behind in the sixth minute to an Olivier Giroud goal, scored after Palace defender Gary Cahill suffered a hamstring injury while racing for the ball with Willian.

However, Hodgson said the Brazilian was correct in continuing to play on.

‘It wasn’t a head injury so the rules of the game would say no, it should continue,’ said the Palace boss.

‘Can you expect a player to suddenly stop and turn on his heel? I don’t think so.’

Palace suffered their fourth consecutive defeat but Hodgson felt his side were unfortunate not to rescue something at the end.

‘The first goal was such an unfortunate circumstance. You don’t really expect, after five minutes and such a good start to the game, to find yourself a goal down with your centre-back almost shot in the leg to give them a free run on goal,’ he added.

‘But I thought we came back from that extremely well and throughout the 90 minutes, we were more than good value for the two goals we scored.

‘It becomes 3-2 because of the goal at the start, then we hit the post and [Christian] Benteke can’t beat the keeper one-on-one.’

Terry linked with Bristol City job

The Sun reports former Chelsea captain John Terry could be set for his first managerial position after being linked with the vacant job at Bristol City.

The Robins dismissed manager Lee Johnson last weekend and are reportedly eyeing the Aston Villa assistant coach as his replacement.

‘Football Insider claim a source told them “Terry is in the frame for the newly-vacant role as he eyes his first managerial position” since hanging up his boots,’ states the report.

‘The Chelsea legend has been Dean Smith’s number two at Villa since October 2018. However, the former England captain has made no secret of his managerial ambitions and he could be set to hold talks with the Ashton Gate outfit over the coming days.’

Wigan Athletic’s Paul Cook is also reportedly on the shortlist to replace Johnson who parted company with Bristol City after they suffered four straight defeats to end their hopes of qualifying for the Championship play-offs.