He guided the Welsh region to a maximum 10 points from their preliminary-stage matches against Castres Olympique and Worcester Warriors in December, winning 39-15 at home and 38-29 away respectively, and now wants to seal a second Challenge Cup quarter-final in three seasons.

“We earned the right to play at home, which is good and a massive positive that that has stayed intact,” said Booth.

“Whoever you play in knockout rugby, it’s going to be more pressurised. It’s a great challenge for us, but we’ve gone exceptionally well in the competition. We are hopeful that we’ve got a very competitive team who can go out and really give it a good go.”

The 51-year-old Englishman can’t wait to renew acquaintances with the Falcons, whom he faced in various coaching roles with Bath Rugby and Harlequins, as well as director of rugby with London Irish.

“I know Newcastle very well from my time in the Premiership and I know that they’re a fairly resilient bunch who are well coached,” he commented.

“Like all Premiership teams, they’re used to the grind and they’re always tough opposition with Dean Richards in charge.

“It will be a massive challenge, but it’s an opportunity for us to express ourselves and we’re looking forward to that.”

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth is seeking to capitalise on the ”massive positive” of a home draw against Newcastle Falcons in the last 16 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup next month.