BILLY GILMOUR could return to full fitness within the next eight weeks as he continues to step up his recovery from the knee surgery that ended his breakthrough season with Chelsea.

The 19-year-old went under the knife in July as he was forced to miss the final weeks of the Premier League campaign and FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal at Wembley.

But Herald and Times Sport understands Gilmour now has his sights set on a positive second term at Stamford Bridge as he remains in regular contact with boss Frank Lampard through his rehabilitation schedule.

Lampard repeatedly spoke glowingly about Gilmour as he performed with such aplomb last season, with his fine form even seeing him tipped for a call-up to the Scotland squad.

The former Rangers midfielder is now out of his leg brace and is undertaking light gym sessions and work in the pool as he takes initial steps on the road to recovery.

Boss Lampard has significantly strengthened his squad with the additions of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz already this summer and Gilmour will have his own a part to play for Chelsea as he looks to return to action in the coming weeks.