The new Northern Ireland Open takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast from November 14 to 20. There will be 128 players taking part including green baize giants Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and John Higgins as well as home favourites Allen and Joe Swail and Dublin’s Ken Doherty.

It’s part of the new Home Nations series, also comprising events in England, Scotland and Wales, and any player winning all four will bank a massive £1 million bonus.

“It’s great to have another event in Belfast,” said world number eight Allen. “My first ever pro tournament was the Northern Ireland Trophy back in 2005. I’m now an established top 16 player and have much more of a following so I’ll get even more of a buzz this time.

“It is also important for the grassroots of the game in the country. We need to start getting more people into the sport, showcasing how far professional snooker has come is a great way to do it.”

The 30-year-old is determined to raise the profile of snooker in Northern Ireland. He and two-time World Championship semi-finalist Swail are at the forefront of an initiative to take snooker into schools around the country.

“We have pitched an idea to the Northern Irish government about getting snooker into schools,” said Allen. “Due to funding it is on the back burner at the moment but it’s definitely something I hope will happen. Currently I don’t really do any coaching, as I have no qualifications. I would like to think I have a pretty good insight into the mechanics of the game being a successful professional, but as of yet I don’t have my badges. If this initiative gets the go ahead, then I would do my World Snooker coaching badges.”

Allen won this third ranking title of his career last season when he beat Ricky Walden in the final of the Players Championship in Manchester. It was his first major title on UK soil.

“It was a monkey off my back,” he admits. “A lot of other people were going on about it so it’s good to set that straight.”

Tickets for the Northern Ireland Open are on sale and start at just £10 – fantastic value for the chance to see the world’s top stars. For details see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets