THE frustration felt by supporters is fully understood by Worcester Warriors’ squad, admits returning back Ben Howard.

Supporters vented their anger on social media and bombarded Sixways chief executive Jim O’Toole on Twitter after Warriors crashed 26-12 against Wasps in last Sunday’s Aviva Premiership clash.

Howard, 23, says he no longer pays “too much attention” to criticism on message boards or Twitter but acknowledges fans are “entitled to their opinion”.

“I have stopped paying too much attention to it,” said Howard, who is set to make his return after injury in Saturday’s home European Challenge Cup match against Newport Gwent Dragons (3pm).

“I read something negative when I was younger and it wasn’t too nice and I stay away from social media now, particularly in the aftermath of a match because people can get a bit heated.

“But everyone is entitled to their opinion – that’s the nature of professional sport and people pay to watch and can have their say.”

Warriors are second-bottom in the Premiership with one win and prop up their Pool Three table in Europe after two losses.

Howard, who has recovered from ankle surgery which he had in pre-season, believes Warriors' squad must stick together.

“We can’t let the criticism get to us,” said Howard.

“It’s down to us to put things right and the only thing that is going to do that is a better performance on the field, which we know we need to give.

“We know we have been below par recently and we understand the frustration from the fans.

“We looked good at the start of the season and should have won a couple of the drawn games and recently it’s been very easy to see things through a negative mind-set.

"We come in each week and watch what we’ve done wrong and work on it.”

Welsh regions Dragons will be picking a strong squad for the trip to the West Midlands and it promises to be a tough encounter for Warriors.

A defeat would leave Warriors facing European elimination.

Dragons are second in the pool and aiming to progress to the knockout stages for the third successive term.

Howard said: “The Dragons seem a very adventurous side and I am expecting them to play a quick game with lots of options and always be looking to offload.

“We need to make sure we have a full-field defence and will go out there to shut them off."

He added: "We have a lot of guys who are coming back from injury and I can't wait to get the ball in my hands and have a run.”