Jamie Noon has been a key player for Newcastle and England

Newcastle Falcons centre Jamie Noon believes that winning the European Challenge Cup would make up for this season's disappointing league form.

Worcester await in the Sixfields semi on Friday night, but Noon is confident that the Falcons can get through that and end the campaign with a trophy.

"We've underperformed," said Noon. "This is a chance to lift everyone.

"If we have an opportunity to play for a cup, it would be a bit of sugar in a poor season," he told BBC Newcastle.

Returning to Newcastle from England duty has been a frustrating experience for Noon and the 28-year-old admitted that the team know they must improve.

"This season we've not played very well so we've got to set the record straight," he said.

"Not just for the coaches, with next season in mind, but individually because at this level we've got to believe. We'll go out with everything."