Ed Barnes is nearing the end of his double injury nightmare – and hopes to repay Bristol Rugby's faith in him by producing the goods in the Guinness Premiership next season.

The 28-year-old fly-half – who made 18 Premiership starts for the club last season – was close to returning from a torn Achilles when he suffered an identical injury during a training exercise in September.

As a result of the double setback, he has not played for 11 months – but he is now close to returning to full training.

He hopes to make himself available for selection during the latter stages of Bristol's Championship play-off campaign, but recognises he may have to wait until next season to make his first-team return.

"Personally, I doubt whether I will play during the play-offs," said Barnes. "Hopefully, I will be available for selection – but I very much doubt I will be getting selected.

"The boys are all playing really well at the moment and they are coming into their peak. I just hope to be back fit to be able to assist the boys in training and maybe run a few of the opposition moves.

"I haven't got my sights set on playing yet, just on getting myself fit and offering support to the boys for the rest of the season. My goal is to be fully fit in pre-season and then get ready for next season. I'm really looking forward to that."

The former England Saxon has another season to run on his Bristol contract – and is grateful for the faith the club have shown in him since he initially ruptured his Achilles at Leicester last April.

"I had two years left on my contract after the first time I did my Achilles – and the club have been really good to me by sticking by me and getting me the treatment I needed," said Barnes.

"I have another year on my contract, so hopefully I will repay the club by putting in some good performances next season – and hopefully we'll be in the Premiership then. I could have been in quite a tricky situation, but the club have stood by me and I'm so determined to do well next season."

It has been a long road back to fitness for Barnes, but coaches Paul Hull and John Brain have continued to make him feel part of the squad by giving him various tasks in the analysis room.

"I always try to go and watch the boys, whether it's home or away, although it can be quite tough when you are not in the actual squad," said Barnes.

"You can feel like you are not part of it, but Paul Hull and the coaching staff have had me helping out with the analysis and things like that, so they have made me feel like I am part of things. The club have kept me quite busy and the rehab itself has been going really well, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel now. I am just looking forward to getting fit and playing for Bristol again."

Bristol – who are guaranteed top seeding in the promotion play-offs – travel to Moseley this afternoon for the final game of their 22-game regular Championship season. Centre Alex Crockett, who scored on his club debut at Nottingham last weekend, will start on the bench today.

Bristol Rugby: L Arscott; T Arscott, L Eves, J Fatialofa, D Norton; A Jarvis, J Spice (capt); M Irish, D Blaney, D Crompton, M Sambucetti, N Budgett, I Grieve, R Pennycook, J Phillips. Reps: R Johnston, W Thompson, D Montagu, J Merriman, R Shaw, M Davies, A Crockett.