Justin Edinburgh believes Chelsea youngster Jordan Houghton will be a better player for his stint with the Gills.

Houghton returned to the Premier League club after making 15 appearances for League 1 Gillingham.

The 20-year-old failed to appear in any of Gillingham’s last 10 fixtures but Edinburgh acknowledged the player's input as his team made a stunning start to the campaign.

Edinburgh said: “We thank him for his services and his part in what he played in helping us to be where we are.

“He has been a fantastic professional and played a huge part for us and I am sure we played a big part for him.

“He has got his first professional football experience and I know he enjoyed his time here. He will go back a better player for it.”