By Phil Harlow

ANTHONY ALLEN FACTFILE Born: Southampton, 1 September 1986 Position: Centre Height: 5ft 11in Weight: 14st 2lb

Gloucester coach Denis Betts has backed Anthony Allen to make a big impact after his call-up to the England squad to face New Zealand on 5 November.

Allen has made just 22 first-team starts, but Betts said the 20-year-old was well worth his place in the squad.

"I work with Anthony day in, day out and he's an exceptionally talented young man," Betts told BBC Sport.

"He's got this raw feel about him which makes everyone stand up and get excited - he plays with no fear."

Betts has worked as Gloucester's skills coach since moving from rugby league in January, and the former Great Britain forward said he has been delighted with the progress made by Allen and other young players at Kingsholm.

Allen was joined in the England squad by 20-year-old team-mate Olly Morgan, while fly-half Ryan Lamb, also 20, has attracted rave reviews for his displays since breaking through towards the end of last season.

"They were skilful players anyway, and I just try to keep tagging things to what they already have," added Betts.

"Good players are good players - all we're doing with them is trying to turn their talent into something even better."

He's got great balance and good strength in his lower body and is just a talented player through and through Gloucester skills coach Denis Betts

Allen was named in England's Senior National Academy squad at the start of the season, but has gone from strength to strength since establishing himself in the centre at Gloucester.

"He's learning his trade and working so hard on the training ground and he's getting the rewards for the effort he's put in very early in his career," said Betts.

"As an athlete he's also very impressive.

"He's got great balance and good strength in his lower body and is just a talented player through and through.

"They're having to learn to deal with the fact that people's expectations are raised every week as their performances get better and better.

"It's just very refreshing to see the young lads at Gloucester doing so well."

Allen, who has eight tries for Gloucester, drew praise from Ireland and Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll last weekend for his display in the Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster.

"I thought Anthony Allen, in particular, looks a great prospect," said O'Driscoll after Leinster's 37-20 win.