Chelsea legend Pat Nevin says he cannot understand why Billy Gilmour was allowed to join Albion.

The midfielder was outstanding on his return to the Scotland starting XI as they beat Georgia 2-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

That followed a lively cameo as he helped his side turn their game in Oslo and grab a late 2-1 win over Norway.

Gilmour’s display at Hampden Park has been likened to that he produced against England at Wembley in the 2021 Euros.

Nevin, speaking on BBC radio, said: “To have Billy Gilmour, who has hardly played at all, to walk in and do what did, (it was) very similar to what he did against England.

“I remember his first (man of the match) for Chelsea against Liverpool, he cruised it and completely controlled that game.

“He is a star and with my history with Chelsea it’s absolutely and utterly beyond me why they let that boy go but it’s probably the best thing for him as he’s going to get more games of football.

“But he is, I’ll say international class, but bordering on world class. He’s very special, what a history he is going to have in Scottish football.”

Gilmour is hooping for a more settled season with the Seagulls and more game time after a promising end to the 2022-23 campaign.