The No 8 has not pulled on the blue shirt since suffering serious cruciate ligament damage in the 2004 RBS 6 Nations Championship game against Ireland last March.

But Taylor made a triumphant try-scoring return for Edinburgh Rugby in their Celtic League 41-33 win against Leinster at the weekend which prompted Williams, who has yet to win a game in this tournament after seven attempts, to draft him into the squad for the visit of the Italians.

And Paterson said: Weve been waiting in anticipation, Simon is one of Scotlands truly world class players so for him to be back is a huge bonus for us.

I was at the game on Saturday night and I thought he played well.

He brings a whole new dimension to us, especially in defence and his ability to slow the opposition ball down could be key against Italy if he is involved.

I dont know if he will be involved but hes certainly a world class player and we look forward to welcoming him back.

After successive defeats to France and Ireland, the latter being in a particularly disappointing performance, the Scots are looking to break their duck against the Italians in what is undoubtedly Williams sides best chance of victory in this years tournament.