YOUNG Saints defender Nico Lawrence is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Torquay United, the Daily Echo understands.

Lawrence has been regularly involved with Nathan Jones’s training sessions since the Welshman’s arrival but is yet to make his full debut for the club.

The former Glebe FC centre-back was named in the EFL Cup squad for the victory over Sheffield Wednesday, while he has played every minute he has been available in Premier League 2.

READ MORE: Southampton complete second January signing in Carlos Alcaraz

Lawrence has impressed the Daily Echo’s writers on every viewing and should now embark on a first senior professional spell with the National League strugglers within the coming days.

Experienced manager Gary Johnson remains at the helm of the Seagulls, who have reached a play-off final for League Two promotion in recent years.

Lawrence signed for Saints at the start of 2022, having played in the lower levels of non-league since leaving the academy system in his early teens.

It is expected that Lawrence will also sign a new professional contract as part of this developmental step, with his current 18-month deal set to expire at the end of June.

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