DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) - The British and Irish Lions have called up Wasps and England loose head prop Tim Payne as cover for Andrew Sheridan, who has a problematic back.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said: "Tim Payne has been called up to provide essential cover for the front row as Andrew Sheridan is responding slowly to treatment for a sore back following the Southern Kings match.

"We simply can't go into this week without sufficient cover at loose head prop as we play the Emerging Springboks and the Springboks in the space of five days.

"Tim Payne will arrive match fit having played in all three of England's recent international matches against the Barbarians and Argentina. We are still hopeful that Andrew Sheridan will respond to the medical regime he is currently undergoing."

Lions doctor James Robson earlier gave an update on the injury status of other players in the squad.

Ireland winger Tommy Bowe suffered a slight strain to his elbow but should be fit for selection by Tuesday's game against the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town, ahead of Saturday's second Test in Pretoria.

Wales full-back Lee Byrne, who was replaced during the first Test here after 38 minutes, strained his foot, with Robson adding that it was probably a mild recurrence of a previous injury - inflammation or tearing of the structure that holds the arch of the foot principally.

He added that Welsh utility back James Hook, who was replaced during the hard-fought South Kings game after suffering a knock to the head, was continuing to make "excellent" progress.

The Ospreys playmaker will undergo an independent neurological assessment ahead of selection for Tuesday.