Fraser Dingwall says playing in a familiar backline surrounded by four Northampton Saints team-mates will make his England return "more special".

Dingwall is set to make his first Test appearance in more than a year after being selected at inside centre for Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy at Allianz Stadium.

The 25-year-old won his first two caps in England's opening wins over Italy and Wales in last year's tournament, but Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence had started together in the centres for the past 13 games.

Dingwall will replace Slade to partner Lawrence in midfield and says he is excited to join a backline which includes Northampton half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith and wingers Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme.

"It's really cool for two reasons," Dingwall, who won the Premiership with Northampton last season, told BBC Sport.

"From the rugby side, we have great connections and I hope I can add to the good stuff they have all been doing.

"But also because those guys are my mates, so to be able to do it with them just makes the whole occasion more special.

"It's a nice reflection for the club as well in what they have been doing and how there are a lot of people developing because the club has had success in recent times."