Director of rugby Conor O’Shea fears Harlequins may feel the effect of last week’s humiliation by Saracens all season.

Quins were crushed 39-0 by the north Londoners in front of the BT Sport cameras as they failed to score at home for the first time since a 17-0 Premiership semi-final defeat to London Irish in 2009.

Former England fly half Charlie Hodgson collected a personal haul of 22 points – including a charge down try – to go with tries for Will Fraser and Chris Ashton.

It could have been worse for the hosts, but for try saving contributions from England full back Mike Brown.

Quins, who opened the campaign with a 20-15 win over London Irish, have aspirations of reclaiming the Premiership crown they won in 2012.

But after being second best in all departments on Friday, O’Shea admitted the psychological lift the result gives visitors to the Stoop may last.

“This will give teams coming here a lot of confidence coming here the fact we have actually been beaten like that,” he said mindful Wasps arrive in west London this weekend.

“If you give people a carrot, they are going to take it.

“It is a massive mental blow to do that at home.

“We did not see this coming and you have to give them credit.

“In emotional terms it is a big blow. You don’t talk about it, you have to react to it. It is easy to talk, but you have to go out and do it.”

O’Shea, who was forced to field former England U20 number eight Jack Clifford in the centres due to injuries to Matt Hopper and Charlie Walker, refused to question his side’s application.

From back page And he promised an immediate reaction.

“We were up for it, no question. We had 70 per cent possession in the first half and just kept coughing up the ball,” said O’Shea, who described the defeat as his lowest point at the Stoop.

“They are an outstanding side and this is a massive low point for us.

“You have to take it. You will have highs and you will have lows.

“We have to regroup and react. I know this team and that is what will happen.”

Quins new boy Marland Yarde is expecting to line-up against an old friend on Saturday, but he is up for the challenge.

“I’m good friends with Christian [Wade] and he is very dangerous in space,” said Yarde.

“ It wasn’t too long ago that he was player of the season.

“Knowing you are facing a player with his talent and skills in the Premiership can only drive you on to improve and put yourself in the best position you can be when you get out on to the pitch.”