Lewis Payne is set for a return to parent club Southampton after spending the first half of the season on loan at Cheltenham Town, Gloucestershire Live understands.

The 20-year-old right-back made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Robins, starting the 0-0 draw at Port Vale on New Year's Day.

Payne, who has been in the Saints' academy since the age of nine, spent last season on loan at Newport County AFC, having also spent time at National League side Eastleigh.

He made his first team debut for Southampton in a 3-0 EFL Cup victory at Cambridge United in August 2022.

Boss Michael Flynn has signed Darragh Power from Waterford FC during the transfer window and the Irishman's specialist position is right-back, although he can play in other positions.

Flynn also has Arkell Jude-Boyd as a specialist right-back option, although on occasions the St Lucia international has been used further forward.

Payne's departure will mean five of Cheltenham's six summer loan signings have been brought to an end this month, with only centre-back Sam Stubbs remaining from the first half of the campaign.

Forward Ashley Hay and left-back Val Adedokun have both arrived on loan from Brentford since the transfer window opened.

* Cheltenham play Colchester United at home in the EFL Trophy third round on Tuesday evening (7pm).

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