SOUTHAMPTON Under-21s defender Lewis Payne has returned to the club from his loan spell with Cheltenham Town.

Payne spent the first half of the campaign with the League Two side, making 22 appearances in his time with the Robins.

The full-back will link back up with the Under-21s at Staplewood following his return to the south coast.

A statement from Cheltenham added: "We'd like to place on record our thanks to Lewis for his loan spell with us and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."

Payne becomes the third player to return from their loan this month, following forward Dom Ballard and midfielder Cameron Bragg.

Both returned to action with the under-21s in a 5-0 victory over Fulham at Snows Stadium on Friday evening, with Ballard netting a hat-trick.

There has been no indication whether Payne will head back out on loan for what would be his third stint away from the club.

The academy graduate had spent time at local Vanarama National League side Eastleigh before joining League Two outfit Newport County.