Falcons lost Alex Tait (left) and Tom Catterick to injury in Saturday's loss

Newcastle head coach Alan Tait has revealed his frustration after losing Alex Tait and Tom Catterick to injury in Saturday's 36-10 defeat by Exeter.

Tait damaged ankle ligaments during the loss, while Catterick broke his jaw to leave Falcons short of option in the full-back position.

"I've had a bad day at the office with injuries," Tait told BBC Newcastle.

"Tom Catterick's jaw looks like it will need an operation or plate, looking at next week, that's two full-backs gone."

Tait added: "It's a bit of a nightmare with Charlie [Amesbury] out as well, it's going to be a tough call but we'll just have to get on with it."

Falcons are also struggling for cover in the half-back positions with Micky Young the only available option at scrum-half, and also at hooker with Joe Graham and Rob Vickers both absent.

Meanwhile defeat at Sandy Park all but ended Falcons hopes of qualifying for the knock-out phase of the European Challenge Cup at the half-way stage of the pool matches.

However with Exeter and Montpellier still to visit Kingston Park before the trip to Bourgoin, Tait is keen for his side to restore some pride in their remaining European games.

"I'm looking at the bigger picture," Tait said. "I always said I'd use this competition to give the young lads a run out, but unfortunately they're not really getting a good platform because there's a lot of players playing out of position and its tough on them.

"We've got them [Exeter] up in Newcastle next week. Hopefully we'll patch up, get a team out and get a bit of pride back and match what Exeter has done to us today in our own back-yard."

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