New kid on the block Ben Woods is relishing Leicester Tigers' Heineken Cup mission but admits he is surprised to be part of the challenge so soon into his Welford Road career.

The 26-year-old open-side flanker's arrival from Newcastle Falcons was less touted than the capture of Toby Flood, but he could be handed his first Heineken start in Sunday's Pool Three opener against Ospreys.

First-choice No.7 Lewis Moody has been joined on the injured list by Ben Herring which opens the door for Woods to prove his worth on such an illustrious stage.

Woods himself is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "I'm hoping to be selected and it would certainly be a big step-up in atmosphere and attendances from when I played for Newcastle in the European Challenge Cup.

"I wasn't sure I would get this opportunity this early but it's one I'm looking forward to.

"With the likes of Lewis and Ben in my position, the challenge is to be at the top of my game every time we train and every time we play.

"With Lewis being out injured there is a bit of a gap there and I've got the opportunity to push him hard. However, Ben (Herring) has been fantastic and, in the first four or five games of the season, he's been one of the form guys in the Premiership."

Woods, who was born in Barnsley and won a blue for Cambridge in the 11-11 draw against Oxford in 2003, spent five years at Newcastle, scoring four tries in 52 appearances.

However, his only European experience came in the Challenge Cup.

Woods said the Heineken Cup challenge for Tigers is to match the expectations of the staff and the supporters and he added: "Leicester are a massive name in the competition, but you can't trade off history for too long.

"But it is a club which didn't need to sell itself to me. I'm delighted to be here. The whole situation surrounding my move (from Newcastle) was convoluted.

"I had signed for them for this season but then things transpired and I was looking for a move. This is a great chance for me to progress but I've got to push myself."

Woods' only start this season has been in the Guinness Premiership defeat to Wasps and he said: "We know what is expected of us. We get that clear direction from (head coach) Heyneke (Meyer). We talked in the week about the fact that it doesn't matter who wears the shirt, you are representing your club and your team-mates."

Woods expects Ospreys to put up a formidable barrier and said: "They are always good matches although, in the past, I've just been an interested spectator on television.

"The crowd will give us a massive lift as I remember when I stepped out against Wasps."

Woods has also played for England Saxons, but was left out of the successful Churchill Cup challenge in North America.

He said: "I was involved in three or four competitions with the Saxons and my first match was against Ireland at Welford Road."

Woods was not included in the Saxons' squad for the 2008-09 campaign but hopes his performances at club level will force him back into the reckoning.

He said: "I was disappointed not to go on the summer tour, but that's selection and it's a test of the character and how you react."