Frustration at letting slip a sixth successive victory in Europe – but still topping the group – is a sign of a more confident mentality at Leicester Tigers, according to Noel Reid.

Tigers secured a home quarter-final with a consolation bonus-point at Pau last weekend, though the versatile back explained loss has spurred the squad on to perform in the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.

“I think the confidence is there in the squad,” Reid said, when asked about the feeling heading into this weekend’s domestic return, away to Bath on Saturday (January 25, 3.00pm).

“Even losing on the weekend, if we hadn’t had that poor start we could probably have still won the game.

“I think it shows where we are; to be disappointed in going away to France and coming away with ‘just’ a point.

“If we can continue to bring that confidence into this week, we should have another good performance.”

And while Tigers will be shorn of a handful of their international stars for the trip to The Rec, the 29-year-old insisted that the remaining experience in the camp, plus the young players blooded in European competition, will stand the club in good stead during the Guinness Six Nations.

“We’re missing a few internationals, but the bulk of the squad that has played in the majority of the games so far this season is still here,” he continued.

“As a group, we’ve had a good start to the training week, and we want to continue that into the weekend.

“Bath will serve a tough challenge, but a win would really set us up nicely for the next block of games and would give us even more confidence and momentum, and put us in an even better place.”