Kay could not prevent Leicester's defeat by Bath

Leicester lock Ben Kay says it is important the Tigers finish the season on a high even if they end up missing out on a Premiership play-off place.

Tuesday's 23-12 defeat by Bath means the Tigers need another team to slip up if they are to finish in the top four.

Kay told BBC Radio Leicester: "It is out of our hands now but we have got to re-group and win our last three games.

"If we go out and win, and play as we can do, then we can be proud of that even if we do not qualify."

Defending champions Leicester lie sixth in the table and play Bristol, Newcastle and Harlequins in their final three fixtures.

The Tigers were outplayed by second-placed Bath at the Rec in the first half but head coach Marcelo Loffreda was pleased with their response.

"It is so difficult to analyse the game," Loffreda told BBC Radio Leicester. "But we could smile at the end despite the defeat.

"The team showed a lot of character in the second half and a lot of positive reaction to the big adversity we had in the first half when Bath showed what a wonderful team they are."