Payne gives coach Schmidt a headache
Jared Payne's return to full fitness after hamstring trouble will hand Ireland boss Joe Schmidt a selection conundrum for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy.
Reigning champions Ireland are winless after three matches and chasing two closing victories to avoid slipping from title-holders to also-rans.
Payne missed Ireland's 21-10 England defeat but could return for Saturday's Dublin clash with the Azzurri if head coach Schmidt fields the 30-year-old alongside regular centre partner Robbie Henshaw.
Ulster battering ram centre Stuart McCloskey impressed alongside Henshaw in a new-look midfield at Twickenham however, leaving Schmidt weighing the balance between victory at all costs and broadening his options.
"We'll see what happens, obviously Jared gives us another option in the midfield and he's a quality player," said Ireland wing Andrew Trimble, assessing the merits of both fit-again Payne and McCloskey.
"I have played with Jared for a few years now at Ulster.
"Obviously you have got two contrasting styles between Jared and Stu, so it's just what sort of rugby Joe wants to play.
"But there are plenty of options there anyway."