Allen has 'bottle' to become world champion

Mark Allen has won the Masters and UK Championship - but is yet to win the world title

Snooker legend Steve Davis says Mark Allen "has the bottle" to win the World Championship and complete the sport's Triple Crown.

Northern Ireland's Allen has won the Masters and UK Championship but not progressed beyond the semi-finals of the prestigious event.

Davis, a six-time world champion, believes the 39-year-old is ready to take the next step in his career.

"He's got all the credentials now," Davis told the Connor Phillips Show on BBC Radio Ulster.

"He's got the game, and he's got enough bottle. That's the one thing you can't really teach.

"He's got grit and he's got determination."

The 2025 World Championships, which take place from 19 April to 5 May, will be the 40th anniversary of the famous decider between Davis and Northern Ireland's Dennis Taylor - known as the 'black ball final'.

Allen has reached the semi-finals at the Crucible on two occasions but has yet to add the world title to his CV.

Davis added it "would be amazing" if the Antrim-born player could join Taylor and Alex Higgins as world champions from Northern Ireland.

"His stock has risen in that department," Davis added on Allen's reputation in the game.

"He takes that on board and he is doing all the right things. He has given himself every chance.

"He's pretty self-effacing, I like the fact he doesn't get ahead of himself. He's a big character for the game."