Bates enjoyed his first Falcons win against Castres on Saturday

Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Bates said their 40-13 European Challenge Cup win against Castres could be the platform for further success at Kingston Park.

"We're playing for this season but we're also trying to develop for next year," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's a step in the right direction, a better look at what we're trying to get to and we can be much more clinical.

"There's a huge amount to play for between now and the end of the year and I'm very excited about the potential."

Interview: Newcastle Falcons coach Steve Bates

Worcester provide the opposition in the semi-finals and Bates is relaxed about the Falcons' hopes of making the final.

MESSAGEBOARD Can Falcons clinch the European Challenge Cup?

"We're confident that this team can play. Obviously we have a couple of injury problems that we need to fix," he said.

"The semi-finals are a way away and we'll hopefully get those guys sorted out and we'll go to Worcester full of confidence."