JON Callard claims it would be "negligent'' for Bath to dismiss the Powergen National Cup as an irrelevant addition to an already-packed rugby calendar.

The Rec chief is determined to put up a good fight in a competition that almost used to be regarded as Bath's by right but is now one they haven't won since 1996.

And Callard is particularly keen to end a miserable run that has seen his club dumped out early on in the last few years including a 24-18 defeat by arch-rivals Gloucester at the fourth-round stage last season.

Bath's tie at home to a confident London Irish side tomorrow is fraught with danger for Callard's men, but the coach said: "The league is massive but I think it would be negligent to look at the cup and dismiss it.

"It is what made this club what it is.''

He added: "We have fallen at the first couple of hurdles in the last five years, but any competition is important and you can't dismiss it just like that.''

Callard could choose to maintain the line-up that started last weekend's league victory over Gloucester, as skipper Dan Lyle has still not recovered from a hamstring injury.

Back row Nathan Thomas and prop Simon Emms should also be fit, but are likely to have to settle for a bench spot.

Irish have been rocked by injuries to their player/coach Brendan Venter (facial) and flanker Eddie Halvey (knee).

Fly-half Barry Everitt, who kicked 14 points at Sale but missed the league fixture at Bath a month ago, should play along with fellow Ireland international Keiron Dawson.

Teams: Bath (probable squad): Perry, Balshaw, Maggs, Tindall, Voyce, Catt (capt), Cooper, Barnes, Regan, Mallett, Borthwick, Grewcock, Thomas, Scaysbrook, Gabey, Williams, Long, Hopcroft, Barkley, Danielli, El Abd, Beattie.

London Irish (probable squad): Horak, Bishop, Appleford, Hoadley, Sackey, Everitt, Edwards, Worsley, Drokske, Halford, Strudwick, Williams, Cockle, Dawson, Sheasby, Martens, Thrower, Danaher, Fahrensohn, Kirke, Hatley, Hardwick.

Tickets are still available for the clash, priced at £23 for covered seating, £20 for open seating and £14 on the terraces.Contact the club on 01225 460588 for more details.