JOHN Brain believes Worcester earned some Premiership respect after their close call at Saracens.

The Sixways director of rugby saw his side run the Vicarage Road outfit close yesterday before the Warriors ultimately went down 16-10.

However, the Premiership newcomers improved significantly on their opening-day display against Newcastle and Brain is confident that it won't be long before Worcester are celebrating their first win.

"I think we've earned a little bit of respect after that performance," he said. "Now we've got to improve again as we face Bath on Saturday who are, at the moment, at the bottom of the table."

Tim Collier may not have been the name on everybody's list of successors to Tom Bowman two weeks ago following the Aussie's abrupt departure. However, the lock was outstanding at Saracens.

"He was many people's man of the match at Saracens," added Brain. "But it's no surprise to me because Tim's a good player."

Worcester take on Leicester in an 'A' team game at Sixways tonight (7.30).