IRISH international wing Simon Geoghegan successfully came through his comeback match last night and admitted: "I would love to go on the Lions tour."

But even if he makes the final 35-man squad for South Africa announced by manager Fran Cotton in London next Wednesday he knows it could still be an uphill struggle.

"I will require about eight first team games to really feel on song again," he said, after helping Bath beat The Army 26-16 in a low-key Recreation Ground encounter.

"I greatly appreciate being considered for the Lions at this stage, and would dearly love to go, but everything now depends on how I progress to 100 per cent fitness.

Geoghegan hadn't played any senior rugby since being hurt at Orrell on August 31st, but lasted the full 80 minutes, although scoring chances were restricted against a well-drilled Army side.

And the 28-year-old could win another chance tomorrow, having been named as a replacement for Bath's visit to first division opponents West Hartlepool.

Injuries to both big toe joints required bone-strengthening surgery, continuing his miserable catalogue of fitness problems that have haunted him during a three-year career with the English champions.

He was a surprise inclusion when Cotton named the 62-strong preliminary Lions party.