Dai Young is looking to the positives of Wasps' Amlin Challenge Cup loss to Bath © Getty Images

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Wasps boss Dai Young has spoken of his relief at avoiding a potential logistical nightmare surrounding the play-off for the inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup.

Wasps are in pole position to claim seventh place in the Aviva Premiership and secure an Anglo-French play-off for the final berth in next season's new competition. Wasps' Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Bath frees up their calendar for a two-legged play-off against the Top 14 side who finish in seventh.

Had Wasps reached the Amlin final, the European play-off would have been cut to one game, with home advantage decided by the flip of a coin.

"We thought any chance of us playing in Europe had gone pretty much a month to six weeks ago, but with the seventh spot, that gives us another opportunity to have a real crack at it," Young said. "It's pretty much in our hands now really, so we've got ourselves to blame if we don't reach seventh and have a crack at one of the French teams.

"In cricket (there is) a huge emphasis on the toss, and that would have been a massive toss. That's my understanding that it would have been the toss of a coin for who would get home advantage in a one-off game.

"It seemed a hell of a thing for me that a competition like that would be decided in that way, but I don't really see any other solution. First and foremost we've got to get there, but it's in our hands right now; we've got to back ourselves to get there.

"If we do get there as a two-legger it's more big games for the club. And if we were to warrant European qualification we'd be delighted, because that's probably a year ahead of where we'd expected. Now it's within grabbing distance you want to make sure you do grab it, though."

At present it looks likely the play-off will be held over the weekends of May 17/18 and 24/25.