Ireland's Payne faces race to be fit for Italy clash
Jared Payne must prove his fitness on Thursday to be eligible for selection for Ireland's pivotal Rugby World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday.
The Ulster centre sat out training on Wednesday with a bruised foot and now faces a race against time to be ready for the crucial Pool D encounter.
Jared Payne could miss the match against Italy.
Credit: PA
Rob Kearney is another doubt to face the Azzurri at London's Olympic Stadium as he continues to recover from his gluteal strain.
Simon Zebo has rejoined the Ireland camp after heading home for his grandfather's funeral, and would slot in for Kearney at full-back if required.
"If guys have had niggles they get through this afternoon, they will be assessed in the morning and then it's selection from there," said Ireland's scrum coach Greg Feek.
"So Rob ran around and a few guys looked pretty good so fingers crossed for the rest of the week.
"Jared Payne didn't train today.
"He's just got a bit of a bruise on his foot, he didn't train, so we'll see how he goes for the rest of the week, and maybe.
"Rob trained so now it's just a matter of how he goes from that.
"Normally you like to give them a run and then assess that, to see if they wake up with anything, if it's sore or whatever.
"So from here we'll be able to assess that."
Should New Zealand-born Payne fail to beat his foot problem in time to face Italy, then head coach Joe Schmidt could opt to slot Munster's Keith Earls into the outside centre berth.
