Aspinall ready for "squeaky bum time"

NATHAN ASPINALL says he is ready for “squeaky bum time” in the Premier League.

The gritty Stockport star faces a shoot-out for the final play-off place with Michael Smith in Sheffield tonight. 

But The Asp, 32, believes he is built for the fight for a vital spot in the semi-finals at the O2 in London next week. 

He said: “I have had many squeaky bum times in my career. I don’t intentionally do it. I’d rather have got through easy.

It is what I do. I live for these moments. 

“When my back is against the wall, when there is nothing left, the last bit of fight in me, I will be there. 

“Because I have been in this position so many times in my career, I feel I have the edge over Michael. I really do. squeaky bum times for both of us – but hopefully his bum squeaks more than mine!

“Every Premier League campaign I have ever played in, it has always come down to the last night. Two out of three times, I have got the job done. 

Last year was unfortunate that Gezzy (Gerwyn Price) put in a superb performance to beat me and make the semi-finals. I know what I have got to do. I am confident I will come out with the result.”

Aspinall recovered from a poor start to the campaign to now be on the verge of a top four place thanks to a couple of night wins. 

He added: “I have really enjoyed this Premier League campaign. It’s in my own hands. I am proud how I came back from the first three weeks being very poor. I should have had it wrapped up now. The two Luke Littler games standout, 6-5, the game with Mike Smith, games I believe I should have won it. It has been really tough. This time it has felt it has gone on forever. I felt like it has dragged on.
“I want to make my debut at the O2. Big pressured moments are what I live for. I love the pressure, I love the adrenaline of what will be involved with Thursday night.”

Words by Phil Lanning. 

Images by Taylor Lanning.