Bath fly-half Butch James is hoping his return to the side's line-up will lift the fortunes of the club after a poor season so far.

His side are languishing near the foot of the Guinness Premiership table.

The 31-year-old may feature against Sale Sharks on Saturday after 10 months sidelined with a cruciate knee injury.

James told BBC Points West: "We've had bad luck - games we've lost by one or two points which we should have won. I hope to bring a bit of luck."

He has scored 324 points for Bath since joining the outfit in November 2007 but has struggled with the cruciate injury, having to undergo five separate operations.

I just hope when I do get back on the field I can do all the basics that are expected of me. Bath Fly-half Butch James

James says he is particularly looking forward to playing with fellow countrymen Mike Claassens and Luke Watson.

"It's always nice to be on the field with your mates and I'm looking forward to playing alongside them," he said.

"I just hope when I do get back on the field I can do all the basics that are expected of me. I don't want to make the excuse that I've been out for months."

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