PLYMOUTH Albion full-back Tom Putt is set to join Newton Abbot on a short-term loan to gain some match fitness after three months out injured.

The 18-year-old enjoyed an impressive start to the National One season, making nine appearances in the first 10 games and scoring 58 points.

But he suffered a heel problem in November, which he has struggled to shake off.

Putt played his first game since November 14 on Wednesday when he took part in a friendly 10s fixture for the new Devonport Albion College Rugby Academy.

Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe, though, feels Putt would benefit from getting more matches under his belt at Newton Abbot, the club he was going to play for before forcing his way into Plymouth’s first team.

“Tom has been out for a long time,” said Dawe. “I feel really sorry for him because it was one of those injuries that just crept up on him but has then kept him out for three months.

“When you’ve been out so long it does take a while to get going again.

“Getting game-time and his confidence back is paramount.

“His loan is initially going to be two weeks and then we will reappraise it. Hopefully, he’ll then come back and be pushing to get back into the team. He will still train with us.

“He knows Newton Abbot has he trained with them in the summer. Shek Sherrif is also playing regularly for them and get schooled by Colin Stewart.”

Albion, meanwhile, should have Seti Raumakita available for this weekend’s match against Blaydon at Brickfields.

The Royal Navy have given him permission to return to Albion, but Jarrad Hayler will not be available.

Ethan Ford and Elliot Bale are both trying to shake off injuries in time to feature against Blaydon.