MATT Perry has already completed one fairytale comeback this season now he has his sights set on helping his Bath teammates achieve a second.

The British Lions and England full-back's recovery from a potentially career-threatening groin injury was confirmed this week when Bath announced they were taking up the option of another year on his existing contract.

And the 27-year-old is hoping to repay that faith by helping his hometown club to win the Zurich Premiership and restoring them to the pinnacle of English rugby.

Perry's return from horrendous injury problems almost mirrors the revival in fortunes of his team, who were a matter of points difference away from relegation this time last season.

At the turn of the year his very career was under threat, as the years of non-stop playing took their toll.

Plagued by recurring back, hamstring and groin injuries which had seen him in pain for nearly two season, a pioneering operation in March transformed his prospects.

Now injury-free and with his future sorted Perry approaches the Premiership run-in with a clear head.

"After the last few months to sign an extension to my contract has taken a weight off my mind,'' he admitted.

"The last couple of seasons have been the same really.

"I had a groin problem at the end of the Lions tour in 2001 and it just went from there.

"I played 42 games one year, I think. It's unbelievable really.

"In my younger days, I could probably do that but it's becoming a young man's game now.

"You have to manage it properly and the coaches do as well, otherwise you get completely burned out.''

"But I feel with the operation getting rid of the problem, I can move forward again.''

Perry capped 36 times by England now finds himself in a championship-chasing squad that have blended together in amazing fashion just months after their relegation scrap.

"The boys have done all the hard work, but it's good to be back at a time when the club is pushing for silverware,'' he added.

"From last season, the squad has come together and it's been incredible.

"It would be a fairytale if we won it, but we've got a lot of hard work to do before that.''

With in-form Wasps and Northampton breathing down their necks in the league though, Bath must fight back from two successive defeats if they are to maintain their title challenge, starting at NEC Harlequins on Sunday (2pm).

Bath face a potential front row crisis for Sunday's clash.

Prop David Flatman is rated as "better than 50-50'' to play, but regular partner Duncan Bell's calf is still causing concern.

Meanwhile, England new boy Matt Stevens is in hospital on a drip after an infection of the knee.

But head coach John Connolly insisted it was merely a precautionary measure and hopes to have the South African-born prop available.

Former England Under 21 international prop Alex Clarke has been recalled from his loan to Bristol and may sit on the bench.

Elsewhere, flanker Michael Lipman and Ireland centre Kevin Maggs (hamstring) are rated only 50-50, but centres Mike Tindall and Andrew Higgins are definitely out.

Spencer Davey stands by, with Mike Catt a rumoured summer target for London Irish on the bench with England colleague Olly Barkley.