Billy Gilmour has been urged to ditch the Premier League to pursue a career elsewhere in Europe.

The Scotland international is currently plying his trade with Brighton after having left Chelsea back in the summer transfer window.

Gilmour, 21, has endured a frustrating start to his career with the Seagulls, with game time currently limited and also manager Graham Potter departing for Stamford Bridge.

And now Rangers hero Brian Laudrup has urged the former Ibrox kid to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and pursue a career across Europe.

The Borussia Dortmund man has grabbed the headlines this World Cup after turning in some key performances for England in Qatar, and Laudrup reckons his grounding in Germany has helped.

He wrote in the Daily Mail: “Jude Bellignham has led the way for young midfielders at this World Cup, with some lovely contributions from the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Jamal Musiala. Watching all these prodigious talents relish the stage has, however, made me think about the problems confronting Scotland's great hope.

“Another season is threatening to drift away from Billy Gilmour. I am an immense fan of the 21-year-old. I genuinely think he can be the real deal, but he's only played 12 minutes of Premier League football since Roberto De Zerbi took over at Brighton. After a tough loan spell at Norwich City last term, I worry whether he is going to gain the chance he needs to fulfil all of his potential.

“One possible answer? Leave England. To me, Gilmour (right) looks like a player who would benefit immensely from going abroad.

“I've read that Villarreal might be interested in taking him on loan next month and I could easily see Gilmour loving La Liga. His skillset could thrive in Spain, the Netherlands, France or even Germany.

"Places where the demands are just a little different from England. There is a big call coming for Gilmour, his agent and his family to make sure he is in the place to flourish. Because he has so much quality.

“I know from my own career how reviving it can be to change environment. After two tough years in Italy, I remember my dad saying Rangers had to be the right thing for me to become a key player again with real responsibility on my shoulders.

“Gilmour has it in him to carry that level of importance for a team. I rate him so highly. A step into another kind of football might be the catalyst he needs.”

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