Darts icon Bobby George wants to see Luke Littler stick to his "commitment" in playing both the Premier League and PDC Tour in his first year facing the world's best, even if it proves too much for the teenager.
The PDC announced on Thursday that Littler was one of eight players picked to play in this year's Premier League after his fairytale run at the World Darts Championship.
Some people raised concerns about the 16-year-old playing in the Premier League as it will only add to his busy schedule in 2024.
George is glad to see Littler take up the challenge, but insists the 16-year-old is in for a rude awakening.
Luke Littler makes his PDC Tour debut next month
PA
He told The Sun: “He’s going to have a bit of a shock. He has a lot of travelling and timekeeping to do.
“He’ll be worn out. He won’t be home very much.
"He’s young. He has a commitment and he has got to do it. But he has a good family behind him.”
Like millions of others, George was gripped by Littler's magical run at the Alexandra Palace all the way to the final.
And the two-time BDO Lakeside world finalist has every confidence that Littler will be able to compete against the world's best on a regular basis in his first season on the pro tour.
He added: “Luke will do well, especially if he plays like he played in that final. That young man has a lot of bottle.
“Big Luke won 25 legs in the game. Little Luke, the boy, won 23. That’s how close it was.
“It was one of the best finals I’ve ever seen. I enjoyed it more than any other World Championship final.
“The crowd will be on his side in the Premier League. The PDC are not silly. He’s going to be a crowd-puller.
Luke Littler is set for a busy 2024
PA
“He has got to do what he’s been doing. Don’t change anything. I like the fact he can count very good on the dartboard.”
James Wade was one of those who raised fears about Littler's selection to play in the Premier League so early in his career.
He said: "I can understand the PDC's desire to put Luke into the Premier League (he is their most marketable asset at present) but that roadshow is a lonely and tiring place and I really hope that it doesn't come at the cost of burn-out for the rest of his career.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Littler will be a part of the Premier League
PA
"He deserves to be nurtured because it is a great story, and he could turn out to be a top, top player for a long time.
"Believe it or not, back before Michael van Gerwen came on the scene, I was the youngest-ever player to have won a TV major in darts.
"They say the first is the hardest, but I thought it was the second - there is suddenly expectations, some haters, people wanting to beat you.
"It all must be dealt with in a way you never experienced as an outsider."
