Richard Cockerill says he had "nothing but admiration" for the effort and attitude of the Leicester Tigers players who battled to victory at Wasps on Saturday.After taking an early 10-point lead with a try from Niall Morris and stretching the advantage to 18-6 with Vereniki Goneva’s seventh try of the season, Tigers had to play the remainder of the game with 14 men after a red card for Seremaia Bai just before half-time.   Andy Goode kicked six penalties as Wasps cut the deficit to three points before Adam Thompstone added Tigers’ third score of the day to secure a 14th win of the season and move into third place in the Aviva Premiership table.   “We stared really well, we had great intent and we got two good tries,” said director of rugby Cockerill.   “The red card put the cat among the pigeons and gave them a chance to get back into the game. It cost us a player and three points. But reacting to that and to score a try in the second half down to 14 under that pressure was fantastic.   “The effort and attitude were brilliant, I can’t speak highly enough of the players and I've got nothing but admiration for the way they stuck to the task. Phil Blake has done a fantastic job on our defence and Geordan Murphy has had some stick but has to take some credit for making us more of a threat in the game.   “A lot has been said about us this week by lots of people, but the lads responded very well. To score three tries to nil against a very dangerous side says a lot."   Tigers lost Geoff Parling to a rib injury after half an hour, but welcomed back club captain Ed Slater for his first appearance of the season and Marcos Ayerza returned after missing the win over London Welsh a fortnight ago.   The victory, followed by Exeter’s win at Saracens on Sunday, put Tigers into third place in the Aviva Premiership with one round remaining.   “We should enjoy the win and the performance, but the reality is that it is just one win in the league,” added Cockerill.   “It was close in the end but there is no doubt we deserved to win. The players should take credit and the supporters take a lot of satisfaction from that.   “The result means our destiny is in our own hands – we don’t need any favours from anybody else if we are to get a place in the semi-finals. There is everything to play for and that is what the Aviva Premiership is all about. Now we have to prepare for another big game against Saints.”   Match tickets for Tigers versus Saints have already sold out, with only a limited number of hospitality places still available. Phone the sales team on 0116 2171 215 for more information.