Back-rower Cyle Brink says he had to take 24 hours to get over derby defeat but has already fixed his focus on preparation for a European semi-final with Ulster Rugby this Friday.

Brink made his return to action as a replacement in the Gallagher Premiership fixture against Northampton Saints on Saturday.

Although he describes himself as his own toughest critic, the 27-year-old emphasises the importance of getting over the derby result quickly with another big game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road coming up in the European Challenge Cup on Friday.

“I’ll look back, watch it again and see where I could be better and pick up points for the review,” he said after the final whistle of the match against Saints.

“The quicker you get over it the better and the quicker you can focus on the next game. It takes me 24 hours to get over it, then I’m in and ready to look to the next game.

“The defeat was disappointing but I know how hard the boys have worked and we have made massive strides forward since the start of the season.”

Brink missed four games with the injury picked up in the trip to Exeter Chiefs last month but earned the praise of head coach Steve Borthwick for his work in coming through to reclaim his place in the matchday squad.

“At the time it didn’t feel good but when the scan results came back it was not too bad,” said Brink who made his 13th appearance of the season on Saturday.

“You have a great team around you here, a great medical and conditioning team who help a lot. When you have that support, it makes it easier.

“I didn’t expect to get on so early [against Saints] but it’s nice to be back on the field.

“It was just disappointing we didn’t come away with the win. We were inaccurate at times, but it is stuff you can work on and target and fix.”