Dean Ryan insists Gloucester side are still "heading in the right direction" despite losing to Munster.
Ryan staying upbeat after Heineken Cup quarter-final exit
Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan insists his side are still "heading in the right direction" despite being knocked out of the Heineken Cup by Munster.
The Guinness Premiership leaders went down 16-3 at Kingsholm on Saturday thanks to tries in each half from Munster wingers Ian Dowling and Doug Howlett.
The Magners League side will now face either Saracens or the Ospreys in the semi-finals as they look to repeat their success of 2006.
But three missed penalties early in the match from out of sorts goalkicking star Chris Paterson allowed the Irish giants to build a lead and Ryan is adamant his team is still building.
"A number of small margins were always going to decide a game like this one, and you have got to give Munster credit," Ryan said.
"We had to play the game slightly differently - we had to be prepared to do that - but I believe we are heading in the right direction.
"It didn't happen for us against a very good side who, defensively, were outstanding."
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Munster's director of rugby Declan Kidney admits his side were a little fortunate to progress meanwhile.
"We probably rode our luck," he said. "But it was a huge effort from the whole squad, and a huge amount of credit has to go to everyone involved.
"I am delighted to have got through, and you have to enjoy these days."
Skipper Paul O'Connell added: "We were very honest from numbers one to 15.
"We were a bit lucky they missed their early penalties, but it was very important to get a lead in the game, which was something we managed to do."
See which team will face Munster in the last four when Saracens take on Ospreys live on
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