By Ryan Walters, Sportsbeat

DAN Murphy insists there is still time for Gloucester to save their season as they bid to recover from a slow start and secure a European Champions Cup spot.

A much-changed squad and coaching staff have taken their time to gel together at Kingsholm with some outstanding wins this season marred by a number of agonising losses.

Currently occupying ninth place in the Aviva Premiership, the Cherry and Whites have a battle on their hands to finish in sixth as they must overturn an 11-point deficit in their final four fixtures.

That must start against Harlequins on Saturday – the side that currently sit just above them in the league – but Murphy believes his side can upset their opponents at the Twickenham Stoop. 

“We always knew it would be a building process with the staff and coaching changes this year but ideally we would have liked the performances to come around a bit sooner,” he said.

“Since Christmas we've shown what we can do with some great performances, If we'd have beaten Northampton for example we'd have been back up there pushing for that European spot and it was incredibly frustrating.

“It's all about the performances now, that is what we need to worry about and the league position will take care of itself. 

“We’ve really pushed our season on. Being a new coaching staff and players it was like all 45 of the squad had moved to a new club. It was a clean slate for everyone.

“I got injured after a few games but it’s great to be back involved and I can’t wait to finish the season strongly.”  

Dan Murphy was speaking about his support of Gloucestershire Young Carers at the Aviva Community Fund launch, a nationwide initiative from Aviva, title sponsor of Aviva Premiership Rugby, which offers support and funding to causes close to your heart. Visit aviva.co.uk/community-fund