Legendary striker Kenny Dalglish has slammed Billy Gilmour 's critics and backed him to come good for Scotland.
The young Chelsea midfielder has taken flack after being substituted following an underwhelming display in last week's World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine.
Charlie Nicholas was among the most vocal critics as he slated Gilmour in the aftermath and labelled him "the next Barry Bannan".
But Dalglish insists such criticism as mere white noise and has backed the midfielder to emerge as a stronger player after a tough campaign with Norwich.
In his Sunday Post column, he said: "Billy had his fair share of criticism after being subbed during the second-half.
"Sure, it wasn’t his best game for his country. But his performance didn’t merit some of the negative reaction, which was way over the top.
" Steve Clarke left Billy on the bench against Armenia, and we produced a decent performance to win the Nations League tie 2-0. He came off the bench yesterday, but could do little to prevent a sore result.
"Now, it’s all about what Billy does in the future. There is no doubt he has the ability and, just as importantly, the correct attitude. So I expect his career to continue on an upward trajectory."
At club level, the 21-year-old endured a difficult 2021/22 season as his loan move to Norwich didn't go to plan due to injuries and bizarre team selections.
And Dalglish reckons where he ends up next season could dictate his career path, as he predicted another move away from Stamford Bridge.
He added: "What happens to him at club level this summer is likely to have an impact on how he performs for Scotland.
"Billy broke into the Chelsea first-team two years ago, and I remember his Man-of-the-Match performance against Liverpool. He was superb.
"His name was on everyone’s lips up and down the country but Thomas Tuchel decided to loan him out to Norwich City for the 2021-22 season. It didn’t really go to plan.
"I want him to have a good season at club level – wherever that may be – and that will see him absolutely ready for Scotland.
"He is an important part of Steve Clarke’s plans and if we are to be successful as a nation at football then we are going to need Billy on top of his game.
"At 21, he is still a young man with years and years ahead of him. He can help us get to the Euros in 2024. I’ve no doubt about that because – unlike the aforementioned critics – I believe in him."
