BILLY GILMOUR's challenging experience at Norwich should see him return to Chelsea "stronger".

That's the view of Stamford Bridger hero Gus Poyet.

The Scotland star endured a difficult time at Carrow Road last term, playing in a side which was relegated straight back to the Championship.

While he got more Premier League minutes under his belt, the midfielder, 20, often found himself on the bench and came under some hefty criticism from Norwich fans at points in the season.

He recently extended his contract at Chelsea after the European giants triggered a clause in his deal.

He will return for pre-season training with the rest of his teammates next week, with Thomas Tuchel believed to be keen to cast his eye over the Scot.

Poyet reckons Gilmour does have a future at the club, but his consistency levels have to be there in order for that to happen.

He told Lord Ping: "Gilmour has gone out on loan, didn't play a lot but now he's back and hopefully he's a better player, more mature and because he experienced relegation with Norwich hopefully that will make him stronger and then maybe Thomas Tuchel will give him a chance.

"Billy Gilmour is a good player, everyone knows that and we all know what he can do with the ball, it's just a question of whether he can perform week-in, week-out."