Bates was full of praise for young Falcons fly-half Rob Miller

Newcastle Falcons coach Steve Bates was quick to acclaim fly-half Rob Miller after he marked his debut with a try in the 28-8 defeat to Bristol on Sunday.

The try was one of few bright spots of a tumultuous week at Kingston Park and Bates believes the 18-year-old has a promising future ahead of him.

"I'm pleased for Rob. I thought he handled the situation rather well," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It was great to see him scoring so there are lots of positives for him."

606: DEBATE Are you worried about the Falcons?

Bristol ensured there would be no honeymoon period for the new director with a ruthless display of gritty rugby.

England Saxons coach Bates knows there is plenty to work on in the coming weeks.

"We're professional sports people, sometimes these things happen," he said.

"We've got to learn how to absorb those kind of situations and move on quickly."