The world-class No 8 has not pulled on the famous blue shirt since suffering serious cruciate ligament damage in the game against Ireland last March.

But Taylor strengthened his claim for a much-needed international comeback at Murrayfield on Saturday by making a triumphant try-scoring return for Edinburgh Rugby in their Celtic League 41-33 win against Leinster.

The Australian, who has yet to win a Six Nations game after seven attempts, admitted he would feel compelled to consider him for a Scotland return against Italy if he safely negotiated that match with the Irish outfit.

And he stayed true to his word by naming Taylor among the 31 players preparing for Saturday's match.

Williams said last week: It is possible he could be involved next week against Italy.

I've been through this kind of thing with a number of international players before, guys like Matt Burke, Denis Hickie and Girvan Dempsey, and the key, to be honest, is how they feel.

The medical staff have all passed Simon and his week at Saracens has helped him get back onto the pitch again, be tested and regain some confidence.

There is no problem with his knee now. He is fully recovered from the serious injury, and if he comes through this weekend's game and the medical staff are happy, and he tells me he feels ready mentally to return, then I've got to consider someone of Simon's quality for the Italy game.

Scotland squad for first part of the week leading up to the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday February 26 (2pm):

Backs - M Blair (Edinburgh), A Craig (Glasgow), C Cusiter (Borders), S Danielli (Borders), M Di Rollo (Edinburgh), A Henderson (Glasgow), B Hinshelwood (Worcester), R Lamont (Glasgow), S Lamont (Glasgow), D Parks (Glasgow), C Paterson (Edinburgh), G Ross (Leeds), H Southwell (Edinburgh), S Webster (Edinburgh).

Forwards - R Beattie (Northampton), G Bulloch (Glasgow, capt), B Douglas (Borders), J Dunbar (Leeds), I Fullarton (Saracens), S Grimes (Newcastle), N Hines (Edinburgh), A Hogg (Edinburgh), G Kerr (Leeds), N Lloyd (Saracens), S Murray (Edinburgh), J Petrie (Glasgow), R Russell (London Irish), C Smith (Edinburgh), T Smith (Northampton), S Taylor (Edinburgh), J White (Sale).