 He continued to feature regularly over the following season, culminating with an appearance in the 1974 Scottish Cup Final defeat against Celtic.Previously, Payne's goal against Heart of Midlothian in the semi-final replay had helped United through to what was their first appearance in the final of the competition.After his appearances during the 1975–76 season were limited by injuries, Payne re-established himself as a first team player in the latter part of the 1970s and won the first ever SPFA Young Player of the Year award in 1978.