Littler: I'm in with the big boys

LUKE LITTLER insists he is now in with the Premier League “big boys”.

The 17-year-old heads into his debut in Cardiff tonight in a repeat of the World Darts Championship final between him and World No.1 Luke Humphries, who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Littler, Warrington's greatest thrower, replied: “Surely I'm one of them now. I've joined them in the big boys league.

“I know what's in line. I know I can handle it all myself.

"If I can't, I'll speak to my dad and manager if it does all go wrong. "But I know I'm grown up enough to know what's going to happen.

“This is what I've signed up for - to play with the best of the best. I've got to somehow beat them.”

Littler's had a crazy month since reaching the world final on January 3 and missing out to Cool Hand Luke on the £500,000 jackpot.

Only last week he met up with the Manchester United squad at Carrington and threw darts with Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.

Because of his age, he cannot have the Bet MGM bookies badge on his shirt for the £1million event - instead he has chosen the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity.

He picked that because of his respect for Rob Burrow, the former Leeds Rhinos star who is dealing with MND.

All eyes will be on the World No.31 for the next 17 weeks but he added: “I've already beaten five of the Premier League line-up in the past two weeks.

“I know I can beat anyone when I'm on it. I also know the other seven guys will be on it every week. But I just do what I do best. Throw my darts." 

Cardiff order of play (opening quarter-final, best of 11 legs): Peter Wright v Rob Cross; Gerwyn Price v Nathan Aspinall; Michael van Gerwen v Michael Smith; Luke Littler v Luke Humphries.

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.