JACK WILSHERE knows all about the breakthrough process facing Billy Gilmour at the moment – and the former England midfielder insists the Scotland youngster is showing all the signs of becoming a top Premier League talent.

Gilmour enjoyed a stunning debut season for Chelsea and has quickly established himself as a key first team figure at Stamford Bridge under the leadership of Frank Lampard.

The former Rangers kid impressed on his first start against Liverpool in the FA Cup before taking the man-of-the-match award when he made his Premier League debut versus Everton.

His current form has landed praise from the likes of Blues boss Lampard, Alan Shearer and Cesc Fabregas, but Scotland boss Steve Clarke still opted to overlook the 18-year-old for last month’s postponed Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel.

Wilshere burst on to the scene at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger at the same young age and admits he’s been keeping a close eye on Gilmour’s rise, insisting he is a “beautiful” player to watch.

Speaking to Kris Boyd and Robert Snodgrass on the The Lockdown Tactics podcast, Wilshere said: "First of all, Billy has a good manager in Frank Lampard, who trusts him and has given him his opportunity.

"I've said before that once you get an opportunity you need to take it and Billy is doing that. He's had a few games and a few man of the match performances.

"He is the type of player that you just like to watch. There's not many of them. Another one I like to watch is Phil Foden. For me, I could go on YouTube, type in the name and watch Phil play.

"Any advice for Billy would be to just keep doing what he is doing. Lampard is clearly giving him the right advice and he has a good team around him. Just keep practicing, working hard.

"He seems to have that natural ability. A lot of people said I had that natural ability but you soon realise that is not enough to survive at the top every week in the Premier League.

"You need something else about you. You need to work hard, have that bit between your teeth every week and want to go out there and perform. He is at the best place to do it.

"Billy plays with his head because he is not the biggest, strongest or quickest. He makes the game look so simple and that is what is so impressive about him.

"A boy of that age, to have that maturity on the ball and be able to make the game look easy. To be able to beat players when you are not that strong and that quick is also something I like to do.

"When you are smaller and haven't got that strength, you need to get closer to players, to feel them. It's beautiful to watch and I love watching him. It looks as though he has a bright future in the game."

Wilshere made just 125 appearances across 10 seasons for the Gunners after constant injury constraints plagued his Emirates career.

The 28-year-old now plys his trade across the city at West Ham and with football in the UK on hold, Wilshere has had to battle a groin problem from his home in a bid to be up to speed when the Premier League returns.

On life in lockdown and the widespread mental health issues that have come along with it, he added: "I'm not really one who would talk about it with people, but even since last year I've changed a little bit because I had a conversation with my missus and she said to tell her because talking to your missus, or someone you love, if you don't have a missus or a fella, just talk to someone.

"Pick up the phone to your mum or to your dad, or a friend, and just see how they are and tell them how you are. Just feel the love.

"One thing I've found that helps, for me, I've realised during this lockdown, is that I've had a few moments that I've thought this is tough, but before I go to bed I write down things I need to do the next day to give me a routine, a goal for the day.

"Small things, like clean out a cupboard or go for a run. Small things can really help."

The Lockdown Tactics is a brand new podcast, hosted by former Scotland stars Robert Snodgrass and Kris Boyd.

Every week TLT will talk to big names with its core focus being mental health and wellbeing. It's chosen charity partner is The Kris Boyd Charity. 

To watch the full interview with Jack Wilshere go to YouTube and the various Lockdown Tactics social media platforms. It will be available from 12.00 today (Tuesday).