THE former Newport County AFC contingent at Cheltenham has grown after the loan signing of Lewis Payne.

The 20-year-old Southampton right-back spent last season at Rodney Parade to get a first real taste of senior football, making 41 appearances.

Payne will look to add to his 20 League Two starts with Michael Flynn’s side – and could make a competitive debut against County at Whaddon Road when the campaign gets under way on August 10.

The defender is reunited with Exiles legend Scot Bennett, who left for Cheltenham after contract negotiations broke down, while ex-County left-back Ryan Haynes has also been snapped up by Flynn.

DEAL: Former Newport County defender Lewis Payne has joined Cheltenham for the coming campaignDEAL: Former Newport County defender Lewis Payne has joined Cheltenham for the coming campaign (Image: Magi Haroun/Huw Evans Agency)

“I’m buzzing to be here and I’m excited to get started,” said the Saints prospect. “I spoke to the manager and his plan for the season sounded good to me so I’m really happy to be here.

“For me it’s all about playing. I want to play as much as possible and get as many attacking returns as I can but I love to defend as well as a full-back.”

Flynn was a regular at Rodney Parade last season after leaving Swindon and was keen to add Payne to his squad.

“I watched Lewis a lot last year when he was at Newport and I’ve looked at him when I’ve been at other clubs as well,” said the head coach.

“Lewis is someone who is very good technically, coming from what Is now a Premier League club who have got a very good academy.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. It gives us competition for places in the wing-back areas. We’re getting there, but there is still more to come.”