Scotland U21 coach Scot Gemmill believes Billy Gilmour can emulate the career path of Wayne Rooney.

18-year-old Gilmour started against Liverpool and Everton recently, winning two man-of-the-match performances in the process.

Rooney was a teen sensation with Everton before leaving at 18 for Manchester United, where he would become the club's greatest ever goalscorer.

After Gilmour was named in the Scotland U21 squad, Gemmill said of the midfielder: "During my playing career, I was at Everton when Wayne Rooney was given an opportunity at a young age.

"He's gone on to have an unbelievable career. So I think if you're a good enough player, you can play, it's as simple as that."

Gemmill added: "Billy has stepped up.

"He's been given an opportunity at a fantastic level, at a fantastic club. His manager has been unbelievable for him to give him that opportunity and Billy has gone a big way to confirming that potential.

"I'm very confident he'll get to play for the full [Scotland] squad as well."