Mike Foley is optimistic that Mike Catt will start in Bath Rugby's Zurich Premiership match against the Sharks at the Rec on Sunday.

The England star missed the Quins match last weekend with a hamstring strain and an ongoing problem with a pelvic injury, but Foley believes that the fly half will start on Sunday.

"The unfortunate thing about Catty's injury, which is basically the joint of the pelvis, is that it is an ongoing thing that needs day-to-day management."

Meanwhile, Foley and fellow co-coach Brian Smith have been forced to make a number of changes to their side due to the disruption caused by the autumn
internationals.

Danny Grewcock and Mike Tindall are away with England, whilst Kevin Maggs lines up for Ireland against Australia and Gavin Thomas is away with Wales.

With Captain Grewcock away, former Wales captain Jonathan Humphreys assumes the captaincy role with Dan
Lyle and Mike Catt acting as vice-captains.

"Humph will captain the side," explained Foley. "We feel that he typifies the guts of the side and he
played his best game for us against Quins last week and played with a tremendous amount of passion and
feeling."

As well as a number of positional changes there are also recalls in the starting XV for Tom Voyce and John
Mallett (who will be making his 198th appearance for the club). Under 21 stars Spencer Davey, Jonathan
Pendlebury and Joe Mbu have been named amongst the replacements.

Meanwhile, Adam Vander who has not played since injuring his collarbone in the Saracens match in September, is expected to return within three weeks.

Scrum halves Ross Blake and Rob Chrystie are both involved in Scotland representative matches this weekend.

There are still tickets available for the match through the Bath Rugby ticket office on 01225 460 588.

15 Olly Barkley
14 Simon Danielli
13 Matt Perry
12 Alex Crockett
11 Tom Voyce
10 Mike Catt
9 Gareth Cooper
1 Simon Emms
2 Jonathan Humphreys ©
3 John Mallett
4 Steve Borthwick
5 Dan Lyle
6 James Scaysbrook
7 Andy Beattie
8 Nathan Thomas

Replacements:
16 Andy Williams
17 Lee Mears
18 Alessio Galasso
19 Spencer Davey
20 Joe Mbu
21 Andy Lloyd
22 Jonathan Pendlebury