MIKE Tindall could be pressed into action as an emergency kicker if Matt Perry's neck injury fails to heal in time for Bath's Premiership derby against Bristol tomorrow (2pm).

That's just one of the options being considered by Jon Callard and his coaching staff as they contemplate being without England man Perry, who has amassed almost 130 points so far and has been arguably Bath's most consistent performer during the campaign.

If Perry fails to recover, fellow British Lion Iain Balshaw is expected to move into the No 15 shirt. But that still leaves the home side minus a recognised goalkicker, unless 20-year-old Olly Barkley is brought in.

That could mean a switch to inside centre for fly-half Mike Catt who marries fiance Alison Hastie in Bath on Sunday with either Tindall or Kevin Maggs likely to make way.

But Callard may decide to keep his backline largely unchanged and use one of his other wing options to fill the berth left by Balshaw's switch.

It may leave Bath relying on Tindall, who held a half-hour kicking practice session after training yesterday.

Callard's assistant Michael Foley said: "Olly's (Barkley) a top line kicker, but we also have Mike Tindall who we feel can kick reasonably well. When we get a definite answer on Matt (Perry) we will decide.''

Other doubts for Bath are hooker Mark Regan and skipper Dan Lyle, who is set to miss his fourth straight game as his hamstring injury continues to heal. Regan played just 20 minutes of the cup defeat by London Irish two weeks ago after injuring his lower back and Andy Long is expected to continue in the front row.

Foley added: "Dan still has a severe problem with his hamstring. We want players like that involved as much as possible, but not at the expense of their availability for an extended period.

"Both Dan and Matt are world-class players, but there is a knowledge within the team of how to play without them.''

Bath (probable squad): Perry, Balshaw, Maggs, Tindall, Danielli, Catt, Williams, Barnes, Long, Mallett, Borthwick, Grewcock, G Thomas, Scaysbrook, Gabey, Chrystie, Emms, Barkley, Thirlby, N Thomas, Beattie.