Paul Deacon is not planning on waiting any longer to notch up his 300th career appearance.

The Bulls skipper hopes to shake off his quad injury and hand Steve McNamara a massive boost by declaring himself fit for Sunday's showdown with Harlequins.

That will mark a major milestone for the record-breaking scrum half, who has amassed 299 games so far in a glittering career.

Deacon should have hit his treble ton at Huddersfield last week but pulled up in training and feared a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

However, the points-machine reckons he could make a swift return to action and ease depleted Bradford's injury mayhem.

"I've seen a big improvement over the last couple of days," revealed the Great Britain ace.

"Over the weekend I didn't stand much hope but it's reacting well now and I'm more positive of having a chance to play on Sunday."

The loss at the Galpharm Stadium was the first fixture Deacon has missed in more than a year.

"It was disappointing as I'd set myself a goal at the start of the season to play every game," he said.

"It's not worked out that way now and it was a bit of a coincidence that I went and missed what would have been my 300th.

"I didn't know anything about that until it got mentioned last week and it doesn't feel like I've played that many.

"I'm still enjoying the game and it still feels like a fresh challenge for me 300 games down the track. That's good to know.

"I've not been hampered by too many serious injuries. I seemed to have suffered more with knocks and bruises and a few broken bones, rather than problems with my joints, so I still feel good."

Deacon has racked up 272 appearances for Bradford, won 12 Great Britain caps, featured in seven England internationals, played four games with Lancashire and four at first club Oldham Bears.

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