JOHN Brain believes Tim Collier could make the step up to international level -- if he continues to develop at Sixways.

Worcester Warriors' director of rugby was delighted yesterday after the big lock decided to commit his future to the club, despite interest from Biarritz, Wasps and Harlequins.

And the former Kingsholm second-row forward is sure Collier can still continue to improve his game.

"He's got massive potential," said Brain.

"You've got to take into account that Tim hasn't had a proper pre-season for a number of years. He's been semi-professional for a few seasons and, when we brought him to Worcester from London Welsh, he literally had days to prepare for the Premiership.

"I think if he got a good pre-season under his belt then that would help him to continue to improve. There are, like most players, a few technical flaws in his game that we will work on and, if he continues to work, then he will develop.

"I think the next level is certainly a possibility for him but it does depend on the way that England want to play."

Collier signed a new three-year deal yesterday at Sixways and, after impressing in his first year at the club, Brain is warning that the second season is always the hardest.

"He's got to be careful that he doesn't slip into the second season trap," said Brain. "He's been a very consistent performer for us this season but you have to keep working because life doesn't get any easier in the Premiership. You certainly can't afford to be complacent."

Meanwhile, scrum-half Matt Powell believes Worcester's pack could hold the key to today's clash at Harlequins.

The Warriors beat Quins 33-7 back in October at Sixways and their pack that day was too much for the visitors.

"Our forwards played particularly well that day and it was the same for our away win at Northampton," he said.

"We performed really well against Quins up front in October and, if we can do that again, then hopefully my game can benefit from that."