The England international is keen to get back into continental rugby, where he has scored eight tries in 52 appearances, in Friday night’s Pool A game at home to Worcester Warriors.

“I love the European competitions,” he told Newcastle’s website. “And it’s probably not the worst thing in the world for us just to have a little change of focus and a different tournament to crack into after last weekend.

“I was lucky enough to win the Challenge Cup during my time at Northampton, so I know what that tastes like, and it’s a very exciting time.

“I really feel like we can target this competition and do well in it this season, because the players we’ve got are good enough.

“You obviously need rotation in your squad with the length of season we have here in England, but on the same note we’re putting out a really strong side on Friday and looking to make a positive start.”

Newcastle drew 24-24 with Worcester in the Gallagher Premiership just under a fortnight ago before a frustrating 43-21 defeat to London Irish last weekend, but Burrell hopes a change of competition will wipe the slate clean.

“I’m not sure how relevant that [Worcester] game will be to either side as we prepare for Friday, if I’m honest,” he said.

“It was a different tournament, possibly a number of different players, the weather was horrendous and it was a draw anyway.

”I’m sure both sides will feel a degree of disappointment at having missed scoring opportunities that night, but it’s a clean slate and another chance to have a crack at them.

“Worcester have got a dangerous squad and with Steve Diamond in their management ranks now, he’ll bring a certain steel to their mindset. I know Steve, having worked with him before, and he’ll definitely make sure they’re fired up on Friday.

“We were disappointed by our performance last weekend at London Irish, and for us it’s just a huge focus on putting that right and showing people what we can deliver.”

Newcastle Falcons centre Luther Burrell has revealed that the feeling of winning the EPCR Challenge Cup with Northampton Saints in 2014 is all the motivation he needs ahead of this season’s competition.