MIKE Catt is poised to step back into the Premiership firing line on Sunday with the honour of captaining Bath for the first time, writes Owen Houlihan.

England hero Catt has shrugged off the effects of an injured knee and should be fit to lead his side into the battle with London Wasps at Loftus Road (3pm).

The South African-born three-quarter hobbled off during England's 29-9 victory over the Springboks at Twickenham last Saturday.

But fears that the knock would force him out of club action have proved unfounded and the fly-half is set for his first Bath appearance for a month despite only resuming training yesterday.

He said: "I should be all right for the weekend, although I haven't been in full training.

"There is no structural damage to the knee at all and I'm ready to play, if selected."

The 56-times capped 30-year-old admits he remembers little about the incident which led to him leaving the Twickenham field early.

"I can't remember how it happened really," he said. "I think I went up in the air and must have fallen awkwardly.

"It's not a serious injury, but to go off in a match against the Boks was not ideal for me."

With club skipper Dan Lyle away on USA duty, vice-captain Catt looks favourite to lead the side against the struggling Londoners

He added: "I'm not sure what the score is on that one. JC (Jon Callard) hasn't approached me about it in any way.I haven't done it before, but I'm quite happy to do it if needed."

Lyle's absence apart, Bath should be virtually at full strength for the first time in weeks.