Mike Williams says Leicester Tigers have been focusing on the positives ahead of Friday’s crunch match with Newcastle, but must be wary of the dangers they will face at Kingston Park.

The 27-year-old back row said the squad have worked hard to build confidence following defeat to top-of-the table Exeter Chiefs in Round 18, ahead of a trip to a Falcons side that sit at the opposite end of the Premiership pile.

“Obviously in the changing room post-game we were really disappointed, but there were a lot of positives to take,” Williams said.

“[We had] a really positive week with Mike [Ford] coming in…heading us in the right direction with what we want to do.

“We are still feeling confident going into this weekend, and I am looking forward to the challenge on Friday night.”

And the versatile forward – who shifted across the back row into the No7 shirt for last weekend’s match – says the Tigers pack have plenty to take forward heading into Friday’s game.

He continued: “There are always work-ons, especially against the best side in the competition.

“[But] Exeter have got a brilliant drive and we managed to stop them three times and turn the ball over.

“We finished the game with 100% lineout and did pretty well against theirs, got a couple of penalties in the scrum and stopped their maul, so as a forward pack we are heading in the right direction.”

With plenty of positives to take, Leicester are likely to face a number of familiar faces at Kingston Park on Friday night, plus Samoan livewire Sinoti Sinoti.

“They’ve got some really good guys,” Williams added. “George McGuigan, Logo [Mulipola] – obviously I didn’t know Floody – but there are a lot of guys down there that were from here.

“It’s always good to play against your old mates, but it is a big game for us and we will just take it as another one.

“Both Niki [Goneva] and Sinoti are very dangerous, they can create tries and magic from anywhere, but if we put those kicks in the right position and stop them at source…I am sure we can create some stress.”