Jared Payne's return gives Joe Schmidt a selection headache

"We'll see what happens, obviously Jared gives us another option in the midfield and he's a quality player."

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.

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.