Meet a Southampton youngster looking to spoil Eastleigh's FA Cup party

The possibility of Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United rolling through the town calls for unanimous support in the area. 

Following a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade, the winners of Tuesday's replay at the Silverlake will host the Red Devils in the FA Cup fourth round.

However, there is one Saints youngster - who himself has even represented the Spitfires - hoping to spoil all the fun. 

Lewis Payne, 19, who impressed on his Saints debut in an EFL Cup win over Cambridge United in August 2022, is a key man for the Exiles.

The defender has made 28 appearances on loan and scored his first senior goal as Newport beat Barnet 4-1 in the last round.

He told the Daily Echo: "As a young player, all you ever want is to have the opportunity to test yourself against the best.

Lewis Payne, 19, is enjoying his first Football League loan spell (Image: PA)

"It would be amazing so it is something I want to do. Hopefully, we can get ourselves into that position.

"We played well against Barnet in the last round but they did well before the replay so we knew it would be a hard game."

He continued: "I would like to think we can put a few things right, we know Eastleigh will be up for it and they are a tough team.

"We will believe that we can beat them but I am sure that they will think the same. Hopefully, we come out with the win.”

Payne's 2023 spell with the Spitfires, then managed by Lee Bradbury, was short-lived. 

It was the youngster's first senior loan and he started for his debut just hours after the move was announced. 

That was his only start and might as well have been his only appearance - after one more minute, he returned to Saints a month later. 

Payne explained: "The Eastleigh loan didn't go to plan and there were several different reasons why.

Lewis Payne made just two appearances for the National League side (Image: Ricky Hart/Eastleigh FC)

"Going back there will be interesting and I am excited to go back, you could say to prove a point.

"I will prepare just the same as every other game, though. I would like to prove the point that I should have been playing more.

"Different managers have different opinions and you have to respect that - especially as a young player.

"You have to work hard and prove you're good enough to get into the team and when you get the chance you have to take it." 

There can be no question of the impression Payne has made on Newport boss Graham Coughlan, a retired Football League centre-back. 

Payne has played nearly 1,800 minutes in all competitions, including full 90s in nine of the last 12 League Two fixtures. 

It was Payne's pinpoint cross in the 93rd minute met by Seb Palmer Houlden to seal a dramatic 1-0 victory at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. 

The youngster said: "It has been a good experience, I have played a lot of games recently and that has been good - it's been positive. 

"Especially setting up the winner in the last minute away from home on the weekend, it was a good feeling."

Lewis Payne has made one appearance for Southampton's senior side (Image: PA)

Payne continued: "The message this week is to play the same as we did in the first half of the first game against Eastleigh. 

"Before they went down to 10 men, we were the better team. We created lots of chances so have to do the same thing again. 

"I just want to play as many minutes as possible and keep making an impact on the games as much as I can." 

Payne drew praise from former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl for his cup performance in Southampton's 3-0 victory over League One Cambridge.

From setting up Che Adams for the opening goal to his hand in the clean sheet, it was obvious Payne could play in the Football League.

Some supporters from the Abbey Stadium away end may be present at Silverlake Stadium - they will have swapped red and white for blue. 

Payne admitted: "Such good memories of that day - I won't recognise anyone in the crowd but it's nice to know there will be some there.

"I am assuming they won't be on my side this time but I just have to play my game and hope the team does well."