WROUGHTON-BORN prop forward Tim Payne is determined to make his second coming a memorable one when he lines up for England against Italy in the RBS Six Nations on Sunday.
Payne, whose parents Roger and Penny live in Wootton Bassett, will win his sixth international cap at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, 11 months after hobbling out of Wasps' Heineken Cup quarter final against Leinster with damaged knee ligaments.
The injury, which required recontructive surgery, meant Payne (left) was also sidelined for Wasps' Heineken Cup Final win last May, but after months of intensive rehabilitation he is back in the England fold.
Ironically, the 28-year-old has been drafted in to replace Sale Sharks' Andrew Sheridan, who himself was injured in last weekend's shock 26-19 defeat to Wales at Twickenham.
And after getting the nod from head coach Brian Ashton, Payne has pledged to make the most of his second chance.
He said: "I'm very lucky to be given this opportunity. I know it's a cliché but I've got to grab it with both hands.
"I lost my place through injury and now I have won it back because someone else is injured.
"That's just the way sport goes sometimes. I have the shirt now and I just have to do my best."
Payne is certainly no stranger to Six Nations action having lined up for England against Wales and France in 2007.
Strong performances at loose head during last year's championship put Payne in contention for a World Cup place, before injury took its toll.
"I had one of the worst knee injuries you could get. It was cruciate ligament damage," explained Payne.
"I knew as soon as I walked off the pitch in that Heineken Cup quarter final that my chance of playing at the World Cup had gone.
"My one aim was to get back playing for my club.
"They (Wasps) thought I would be back in November, but through sheer hard work I came back at the beginning of this season.
"You've got to set yourself goals. I told myself to work hard, play to the best of my ability and hopefully somebody will come to watch.
"I'm very grateful to get another cap."
Payne is one of five changes to the England squad following last Saturday's second half collapse against Wales.
Fly half Jonny Wilkinson retains his place though, while Newcastle teammate Jamie Noon starts at centre.
Lesley the Volcano' Vainikolo will be handed his first Test start on the wing.
See tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser for more build-up to England's Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome
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