BARRY FERGUSON has backed midfielder Billy Gilmour to earn a starting spot for Scotland this summer and then go on and become a key player for Chelsea next season.

The 19-year-old will be part of Steve Clarke's squad for the European Championships in the coming weeks as he is given a chance to showcase his talents on the main international stage for the first time.

Ferguson was just 21 when he starred for the Scotland side that beat England at Wembley in 1999 and the former national captain is sure Gilmour has the talent to shine against the Auld Enemy as Clarke also prepares for fixtures with Croatia and the Czech Republic.

Ferguson said: "Could Billy handle that kind of occasion? Yes, I could watch him play 24/7.

"That’s the biggest accolade I can give him. I love guys who want to take the ball under pressure.

"In the Man City game the other week, Billy was telling guys worth £50-60 million to give him the ball.

"For me, he is just a beautiful footballer and now I can see him physically fill out a bit as well.

"I don’t buy into nonsense about his size. He’s a top, top footballer and don’t be surprised if he fights his way into the Scotland starting XI.

"I know it’s the strongest area for Scotland but I just love watching him. The two players I love watching the most is Billy and Phil Foden - it would be great if Phil was Scottish.

"But Billy Gilmour is going to be central midfield for Scotland for the next 10-15 years."

Gilmour has enjoyed an incredible rise to prominence over the last two seasons as he has impressed under the guidance of Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Glasgow Times: Chelsea star Billy Gilmour has been included in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the European Championships.

He faces stiff competition for a spot in the Chelsea midfield next term but Ferguson is sure the former Rangers kid has what it takes to make his name in the Premier League as Clarke gives youth a chance this summer.

"No, he is at a different level," Ferguson said when asked if he could see shades of himself in Gilmour. "I think he can be anything he wants to be and don’t be surprised next season if he is a main starter for Chelsea.

"He’s got everything you need to be a top midfielder. He runs games in the Premier League, he demands the ball and takes it under pressure. I love to see it.

"I love that Steve Clarke picked David Turnbull and Nathan Patterson as well. I think they are players that Scotland can build a team around for the next 10-15 years.

"Turnbull was a bright spark in a difficult season for Celtic. Patterson came in for the Rangers captain who was having the season of his life and he was just phenomenal.

"When they get on that training pitch the senior players will realise how good they are as players. I think they are three top, top young players."