Allen joined Tigers in the summer

Leicester Tigers and England centre Anthony Allen says the Heineken Cup is the perfect stage to show he can make the step up to international rugby.

Tigers beat Clermont Auvergne 20-15 to move to second in Pool Three.

And Allen said the intensity and quality of top-class European rugby is great for aspiring club players.

"This is the scene where you have to go and prove you can go on and play international rugby," the England centre BBC Radio Leicester.

"It's massive for every player and this is why they want to play in the Heineken Cup."

And Allen, who scored a superb try in Leicester's thrilling win at Welford Road on Saturday, also hopes the step up in class will help Tigers improve their consistency in the Premiership.

"We need to get some away form going as well to help in the league," he said. "We weren't the best we can be against Clermont but it's a step in the right direction."

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