Steve Meehan has backed Ryan Davis to play a significant role in Bath's quest for Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup glory this season.

The 23-year-old fly-half returned to action after 17 months and several knee operations in Monday's second-team defeat at Leeds.

He came through his return unscathed – and head coach Meehan expects him to have a big impact for the first team during the final two months of the campaign.

"By his own admission, he might have felt a little bit rusty in defence once or twice, but he has come through it quite well," said Meehan.

"We're happy with his progress and we've got a plan mapped out for him. He has completed another step in his comeback, so it's all systems go, which is good."

Meehan was coy over when he would reintroduce Davis to first-team duties, but expects the Bristolian to push Butch James for the No 10 shirt when he does return.

"There is no doubt he can play a big part between now and the end of the season," said Meehan.

"He's a fine young player – he is athletic, has good speed and is courageous – so he's somebody who, providing his form is right, will be involved.

"He'll be predominantly playing 10, but he can cover many positions in the back-line so he gives us options."

Bath head to Saracens on Sunday, with Meehan's side looking to build on last weekend's impressive 45-8 derby hammering of Bristol.

They brushed their neighbours aside without influential scrum-half Michael Claassens, who was concussed during the previous week's 36-27 Premiership defeat at Gloucester.

And while Claassens returned to training yesterday and has reported no problems, Meehan has hinted he may be ready to stick with Scott Bemand and Mike Baxter for the trip to Vicarage Road.

"Michael was training this morning and we'll see where he's at," said Meehan.

"You have to be realistic about it – you're not going to put a No 9 into play for 80 minutes in every game of the season.

"These other guys needed a run-out and Mike Baxter backed it up with a match on Monday night as well, so it's a good thing he's getting a bit of rugby. Perhaps that pair will go again this weekend, who knows?"

Another key Bath player on the mend following concussion is team captain Michael Lipman. The England flanker returned to training yesterday, but will not be considered for this weekend's match.

"I think he's done with the neurosurgeon now, but he'll certainly have to pass his CogSport before he's allowed to play again – and it's too early for him this week," said Meehan.

"You wouldn't expect a guy to come in on Wednesday for his first training run for some time and be able to throw him back in a few days later.

"It's been a difficult couple of weeks, but he's in good spirits and he's definitely on the mend."