Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce the loan signing of right-back, Lewis Payne, from Southampton.

The 18-year-old right-back has joined the Spitfires on a loan until the rest of the season having been at Southampton since the age of nine.

Payne has had a successful season at the Saints, making his first-team debut in a 3-0 win against Cambridge United where he assisted Ché Adam’s opening goal.

The youngster has taken part in several first-team training sessions and even accompanied the squad on their mid-season training camp in Spain.

After joining the Spitfires on loan for the rest of the season, Payne said:

“I’m very excited to get started. It’s my first loan so it’s a good chance to show people what I can do in men’s football.”

When asked about his goals during his time at the Spitfires, he said:

“First and foremost, I want to help Eastleigh get into the playoffs. I know that it’s the target for the club and I would love to help in making that happen for the fans.”