THE old spectre of international calls has returned to haunt Bath's preparations for their Premiership appointment in Newcastle on Sunday (2.30pm).

Desperate to rebuild his players' dented confidence, coach Jon Callard saw several of his squad spirited away for national team training on Monday less than 48 hours after the Powergen National Cup loss to London Irish.

Both England and Wales held sessions on Monday, leaving Callard thankful for an extra day's preparation this week.

The former England full-back said: "We have had a lot of niggles and then there was the added disruption of the England and Wales sessions. It's been a tough week.''

Callard also has several injury concerns to occupy his mind as Bath try and win away from home in the Premiership for the first time this season.

Skipper Dan Lyle is almost certainly out, his hurt hamstring still not healed enough to bring him into consideration.

Callard added: "He only started running on Wednesday and that's not adequate preparation.''

Hooker Mark Regan, who left the field after only 20 minutes of the London Irish clash should be fit. With scrum-half Gareth Cooper out, Welsh compatriot Andy Williams is expected to continue in the No 9 shirt.

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

Newcastle: Walder, Tuigamala, Noon, May, Stephenson, Wilkinson, Charlton, Ward, Makin, Graham, Grimes, Weir, Taione, Arnold, Lam (capt). Subs: Armstrong, Maclure, Peel, Balshen, Hurter, Vyvyan, Dunbar.