ROOKIE centre Iain Balshaw will be plunged into a derby head-to-head with Bristol's Australian World Cup-winning legend Jason Little on Sunday.

The England man was switched to the midfield from the wing for the first time for last weekend's 19-11 Premiership victory over London Irish.

And with compatriot Mike Tindall away on international duty, Balshaw is likely to be asked to partner either Alex Crockett or Sam Cox in the centre at the Memorial Stadium.

The 22-year-old has shrugged off the effects of a back injury and will start against the Shoguns.

Coach Jon Callard said: "Balsh has trained and he will start, but we will see nearer the time where he will play.''

But Bath will definitely not have Mike Catt or Danny Grewcock available to them.

Both are on England bench duty for the Romania game at Twickenham on Saturday but will not be released like full-back Matt Perry and lock Steve Borthwick were last weekend.

Perry returns on Sunday while elsewhere, flanker Joe El Abd may be included, with American front row import Dan Dorsey earmarked for a substitute's role.

Scrum-half Andy Williams may also be considered after a man-of-the-match display for Wales A against Tonga in midweek, but full-back/wing Rob Thirlby is in Durban with the England Sevens squad.

Bath (probable squad): Perry, Voyce, Balshaw, Cox, Crockett, Danielli, Barkley, Cooper, Williams, Barnes, Long, Mears, Emms, Mallett, Dorsey, Gabey, Beattie, El Abd, Scaysbrook, Lyle, Hopcroft.