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

Blues eyeing Doig

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Hibernian left-back Josh Doig.

According to Goal, the 19-year-old has continued to impress in Scotland and has now caught the attention of the European champions.

Doig is contracted to Hibs until 2023 and several clubs are rumoured to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

Last season, he was named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season and was named the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year.

Doig made 35 appearances for Hibs last season, scoring one goal and picking up four assists. Sporting director Graeme Mathie believes it’s only a matter of time until a big club comes for him.

‘If Doig performs how he performed last season, teams would be willing to spend far more money on him,’ he said.

‘Obviously, he wants to go to a bigger club like every other young player, but he is also happy here.’

Crooks hails Rudiger

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has praised Antonio Rudiger’s defensive performance against Liverpool last weekend.

Writing in his column, Crooks named the German one of Chelsea’s greatest defensive assets.

‘The red card given to Chelsea should have been a turning point,’ the pundit said. ‘But it wasn’t.

‘Thomas Tuchel summed it up when he said his team showed great resilience and spirit. No one more so than Rudiger.’

The 28-year-old made three tackles, three clearances and won possession six times against Liverpool.

‘I have been saying for some time now this player is Chelsea’s defensive asset,’ Crooks added. ‘When he was booked in the first half I thought he was odds on to receive a second yellow.

‘But Rudiger proved to be far too smart for that. Under Tuchel, the German centre-back has got better.’

Scotland head coach backs Gilmour

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has hailed the beginning of Billy Gilmour’s loan at Norwich City.

Speaking in a report that was repeated in the Daily Mail, the former Chelsea assistant coach believes the midfielder will learn a lot as he gains more Premier League experience.

‘It’s good to see Gilmour playing regularly,’ Clarke said. ‘It will be good for his development to play in a side which don’t have 70 per cent possession and all of the best players on the pitch.

‘It’s going to be a good year for Gilmour in terms of his education. He’s a good player, he’ll adapt to the situation and learn from it.’

Gilmour has started all three of Norwich’s Premier League fixtures so far this season and Clarke believes he’ll add quality to his Scotland side.

‘Going into this game, he’s had a full pre-season with Norwich, and he’s played the majority of the minutes in all of their games,’ Clarke added. ‘He’ll be fine.

‘He is a great addition to what we already have in the midfield.’