Nick Evans has denied his ankle injury will force him to miss Harlequins' Heineken Cup quarterfinal with Leinster at the Stoop.

Evans sat out last weekend's win over Sale but hopes to make his return at Bath a week on Saturday, which is eight days before the clash against a Leinster side boasting five of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning team, including captain Brian O'Driscoll .

The All Blacks fly-half has become central to Quins' European campaign and that is why director of rugby Dean Richards is giving him a break in order to protect the ankle.

Evans said: "I am very confident of being fit to face Leinster and I am sure they are really buzzing following the Grand Slam.

"If I need an injection in my ankle to help the healing process, then I am ready to go down that road.

"We are working really hard to make sure everything sorts itself out as soon as possible."

Evans will be back on the pitch today in a coaching role as Quins stage their City Scrum Cup, in association with Norton Rose, at the Honourable Artillery Company ground in the City of London.