The Ospreys remain in the play-off hunt in the Magners, lying one point outside the top four with four regular season games remaining.

And with a game in hand over three of their rivals, the Welsh side can go second with victory at lowly Ulster at Ravenhill on Tuesday night before their tough trip to league leaders Leinster on Friday.

But after the emotional rollercoaster of Saturday’s 29-28 defeat in San Sebastian – their third consecutive European quarter final defeat – Holley called for an immediate response from his players.

“We mustn’t allow ourselves to dwell on the defeat,” said Holley.

“After the disappointment of Saturday, we’ve got to be professional and really show what we are made of by getting straight back into it. With two tough games this week we can’t feel sorry for ourselves.

“We have to take the disappointment and pain of that defeat, and use it to push us forward over the next few weeks and look to end the season on a high note.”