SCRUM-HALF Chris Cook would be satisfied with a repeat of Bath’s opening Aviva Premiership match at The Rec when Newcastle Falcons fly into town tomorrow - and is hoping he might be around rather longer to play a full part in it.

The 26 year old sat out last Friday’s 24-6 defeat at Northampton Saints as he underwent return to play concussion protocols following his departure just two minutes into the previous week’s 31-21 home victory over European champions Saracens, when he was injured tackling Schalk Brits.

But Cook is set to return to face the Falcons tomorrow (3pm) - ironically fellow number nine Kahn Fotuali’i is himself undergoing a concussion check this week - and is hoping his side can back up their first outing on home turf two weeks ago with a response to last week’s reverse.

“The boys played very well, even though it didn’t go so well for me and I had to come off after a few minutes,’’ said Cook.

“It was a really good team performance, from where I was sat. With the (opening) win at Leicester as well it meant we got to start the season well.

“It (the Northampton defeat) was obviously disappointing after we had got the season off to such a good start and it was a shame not to back that up.

“But we’re back at The Rec now and we love playing at The Rec. We’ve almost turned it into a bit of a fortress in recent times and we’d like to think that teams fear coming to play there.’’ One of the main positives from last week’s defeat at Franklin’s Gardens was the performance of flanker Sam Underhill, who excelled in defence for his new club.

However, the former Ospreys man is also undergoing return to play protocols, while Bath are still waiting on the fitness of skipper Matt Garvey and British Lions back Anthony Watson.

Lock Luke Charteris is set to return with back row Francois Louw, although Bath are likely to lose the South African international, who has been recalled by the Springboks for their final two Rugby Championship matches at home to Australian and New Zealand on September 30 and October 7.