EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP: Jared Payne poised for Ulster return at fullback ahead of Saracens contest

Payne, who has missed the first half of the domestic season, will make his long awaited return probably in the fullback position as Ulster chase down the group leaders at Allianz Park on Saturday afternoon.

The 30-year-old broke a bone in his foot while playing for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup at the end of September.

Payne is likely to step in to the number 15 slot with Louis Ludik struggling with a groin injury.

Fellow Irish centre, Darren Cave, has also recovered from a shoulder injury suffered at the start of December and is back in the mix, however it is likely Ulster will go with Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall as their midfield option to start - Cave potentially on the bench.

Alan O’Connor (lock)and Wiehahn Herbst (prop) who missed last week’s remarkable 24-23 victory over Oyonnax are both likely to start, along with the rested Andrew Trimble (wing) against the English Premiership side.

The ‘get out of jail win’ in France - Ulster had trailed 23-0 at half time against the Top 14 side - maintained their hopes of reaching the knockout stages even though they are six points behind Saracens in the pool.

Ulster’s analyst and skills coach, Niall Malone said: “We feel we have a good chance. We feel we are in a really good position to play like underdogs, play with the good players we have and hopefully there a few fresh players coming back into the squad this weekend.

“Jared Payne trained this morning so he will hopefully come through, Darren Cave has been training the last couple of weeks and he is an option for us.

“Wiehahn Herbst did not play last week but should be ok for this weekend. Alan O’Connor is okay, having been through the return to play protocol

“Louis Ludik suffered a groin injury last week which may be holding him back this week, but Luke Marshall trained today and as far as I am aware he is available for selection.

“He (Marshall) is playing really well so it would be huge loss if we did lose him, but if he is available it would be great,” added Malone.