Harlequins lock James Percival says he is up for the challenge of winning a new contract when he returns to action next year.

The 26-year-old, in the final year of his current deal, ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee in April and is back in the gym preparing for a January comeback.

Percival, who will have four months to impress director of rugby Conor O’Shea, is no stranger to injury having broken his neck during his formative rugby years at Northampton Saints.

And the second row believes that experience and the knowledge he has already performed on the highest club stage stage means he can take it in his stride.

“When I broke my neck at Saints I was young still had to establish myself. I’m in a different situation now,” he said.

“I’m an established member of the squad so I haven’t got that monkey on my back as well.

“Quins know what I can do and the coaches have given me stuff I can be working on when I come back.

“I’ve got a bit to prove to get back in the team and I’m ready for the challenge of fighting for a new contract.

“I play better under pressure, I enjoy it. You learn that from playiing big games and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Percival, who has filled his time out of the game by visiting injured British troops at Headley Court, has been accompanied by fellow cruciate injury victims Seb Stegmann and Sam Stuart for much of his rehab.

But advice has been a little shorter in supply from second row partner Ollie Kohn - who himself has suffered similar injuries in the past.

“We’re good friends, but he hasn’t given me too many tips on how to get back quicker,” he added.

“We are in a competitve industry, so while he asks me how its going he has his own interests to look after.

“The longer I’m out, the longer the opportunity he has. I wouldn’t expect anything else.”