Howard watched his last game as Leicester coach at Welford Road

Howard, in charge of his last game at Welford Road before returning to Australia, said it was a "tired" performance from the treble-chasers.

"We weren't on our game but we'll take the win, and we'll deal with next week," he said.

"Gloucester will probably be favourites and we have no problem with that."

Interview: Leicester Tigers coach Pat Howard

Howard's side have lost the last two Premiership finals but he is confident they will not freeze on the big stage again, having already won the EDF Energy Cup this season as part of the first leg of a possible treble.

If they're singing, it's a good time to leave Leicester coach Pat Howard

Leicester also face Wasps in the Heineken Cup final on 20 May.

"We've played in some pretty big one-off games and we've dealt with that," said Howard.

The Australian, who played for Leicester between 1998 and 2001 before returning as a coach in 2004, said he was touched when the crowd sang "Waltzing Matilda" and chanted his name at the final whistle.

"If they're singing, it's a good time to leave," he said.

"It's been a great part of my life. I've had a good time and it's a great time to walk away."

They probably know they've been in a game - a few of their players have been bumped and bruised Bristol coach Richard Hill

Leicester captain Martin Corry was keen to credit Bristol for their contribution, adding: "We had to work really hard to break them down. They're a top quality side.

"It's disappointing we weren't at our best today, we wanted to put in a decent performance but at least we've got a couple of games still to go."

Bristol coach Richard Hill was pleased with his side's battling display despite coming out as losers.

"We made it hard work for them," he said. "They probably know they've been in a game. A few of their players have been bumped and bruised.

"I think we have given them a sufficiently tough test and in the end they had to revert back to their tried-and-tested driving formula, which is very, very good.

"It's always nice to see when Leicester have to do that. They always had a bit to spare but it was a terrific achievement."

But Hill was determined to look back on his side's season with pride.

"It's getting every ounce out of the players," he said. "We've probably achieved right to our maximum.

"We have planned and prepared carefully, all of us, for every single game.

"I don't think any point in a game this year has been a fluke. We have had to earn every single point."

Meanwhile, Leicester may be without Harry Ellis for one or both of their remaining games after the England scrum-half suffered a knee injury.

Asked about Ellis's prospects, Howard said: "We're not going to know for a good 48 hours.