Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole insists his only focus is on keeping his first-team spot at Welford Road despite talk of him earning England recognition.

Cole has impressed with some powerful club displays and had been tipped to earn a place in the Six Nations squad.

But Cole, 22, told BBC East Midlands Today: "If I have a bad game I will not be in the team so my aim is Leicester.

"If you look too far ahead you fall over what's in front of you and I don't want that to happen."

Cole played a key role as Leicester's pack set up a thumping home win over London Wasps on Saturday.

It was his eighth Tigers start of the season since forcing his way into the side at the start of November.

He's got great potential. There's a huge future for him Richard Cockerill

And the Leicester-born forward, who has been named in the England Saxons squad for games against Ireland A (31 January) and Italy A (7 February), is relishing the chance to play for his hometown club.

"I grew up watching the team and came through the academy system so it's great to be involved," Cole said.

"I was told at the beginning of the season I was third choice and if you get an opportunity to play you have to take it and hopefully that is what is what I am doing.

"If you play week-in, week-out you are going to lean and improve."

Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill believes Cole deserves the acclaim he has been getting but also had a note of caution for his international ambitions.

"It might be a six, eight or 10 months too early for Dan. He probably needs a little bit more game-time under his belt but if England need him I'm sure he could do a good job for them," Cockerill said.

"Dan's done really well and we've known he's a good player for a long time.

"He's taken his chance and I'm delighted for him. He's been doing it week-in, week-out against some really good opposition.

"He's a good bloke, he's learning his trade and still has a bit to learn too but he's got great potential. There's a huge future for him."

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