Perry joined Bristol from Coventry in 2005

Bristol Rugby head coach Richard Hill is backing scrum-half Shaun Perry to shine this season despite being overlooked by England.

The 30-year-old was omitted from both the England and Saxons squads named by new coach Martin Johnson.

Perry has not played for England since the 36-0 defeat to South Africa at last year's World Cup.

But Hill said he is sure Perry will excel: "He is a very good player, one of our best, and he will shine."

Harry Ellis of Leicester, Harlequins' Danny Clare and Pete Richards of London Irish are in the senior squad while the Saxons include scrum-halves Richard Wigglesworth and Ben Foden.

Perry is in the same class as those other scrum-halves, he can prove that at the start of the season Richard Hill

Hill added: "Perry is in the same class as those other scrum-halves, he can prove that at the start of the season.

"It was tough for him last season, he had a long summer in preparation for the World Cup and then had his throat smashed up.

"There's no doubt he will make a big impact, take on these scum-halves and try to make a few points."