BATH are on red alert for the Little man who could pose a big threat to their hopes in this afternoon's Premiership derby at home to Bristol (2pm).

The visiting player in question is double World Cup winning Australian midfield legend Jason Little, whose acumen has helped to guide Dean Ryan's side to a comfortable mid-table position.

Few know more about the sublime talents of the 31-year-old Queenslander than his former Wallaby teammate Michael Foley.

And Bath's assistant coach has pinpointed his former international teammate as the dangerman in today's televised clash.

"Jason is very gifted physically, but his strongest asset is how he understands the game,'' said former Wallaby hooker Foley.

"He has a strong impact in calling the shots for his team on the field and he's certainly one guy who is a dangerman for them.

"He had a lot of imput when he was with Queensland and Australia and he will be sharing that knowledge and information with his club.''

Foley had yet to arrive at Bath when they were steamrollered into submission by the Shoguns 31-17 at the Memorial Stadium league meeting a month ago.

But having seen a video of that horrow show, Jon Callard's right-hand man claims Bristol's game has much more to it than just a powerful forwards unit.

He added: "I think it will be every bit as physical as the Gloucester match, but saying that if you shut down their forwards, you shut down their game is selling them a bit short.

"They are obviously well coached and with Jason's leadership in midfield it gives them a great platform to attack from.''

Bath look likely to be without skipper Dan Lyle (hamstring) and hooker Mark Regan (back), while full-back Matt Perry has a neck problem.

The Shoguns arrive in the unusual position of being above their fierce local rivals in the Zurich standings but still seek a first-ever league victory at the Rec.

They include Argentinians Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contemponi, as well as former Bath ex-Rec hooker Neil McCarthy in the front row and second row Garath Archer, who has completed a ban.

Coach Ryan has served his month-long Rugby Football Union-imposed touchline ban after an outspoken attack on referee Tim Miller following Bristol's 19-19 Zurich Premiership draw with London Irish in September.

"I'm not a great one for statistics but I know that Bristol have never won at Bath in the league, so a victory would be something special for our supporters to take into the new year,'' said Ryan.

Bristol: Carrington, Rees, Higgins, Little (c), Christophers, Contepomi, Pichot, Johnstone, McCarthy, White, Archer, Brown, Short, Vander, Sturnham. Subs: Nelson, Crompton, Brownrigg, Morgan, Blake, Drahm, Nabaro.