Lewis Cass has made an early return to Newcastle United after sustaining an injury whilst on loan at Port Vale.

The North Shields-born defender, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up at the age of 12, joined the Valiants on a season-long loan in July for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, making his Vale debut against Sunderland during a Carabao Cup tie in August.

However, the 21-year-old - who helped Hartlepool United gain promotion from the National League last term during a positive loan stint in 2020/21 - will return to Tyneside after recently suffering two ligament tears in his ankle during a freak incident in training.

Port Vale manager, Darrell Clarke, told the club's official website: "He has been outstanding for us, he's served the club with massive credit. The fans loved him, I loved him and we all wish him a speedy recovery."