Michael Smith is keen for darts fans to avoid putting too much pressure on the shoulders of 16-year-old Luke Littler.

The reigning world youth champion is into the fourth round of this year’s World Darts Championship, guaranteeing him a £35,000 pay day.

But Smith is wary of the hype Josh Rock got in last year’s tournament before struggling to meet expectations on tour.

“He is good – like, really good,” said Smith. “But I just don’t want to see the hype that Josh Rock got last year, and he has struggled a bit this year.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Luke, especially being 16 years old, but I don’t think he has ever lost on stage at the PDC.

“He has played on it four times, in two world youth finals and stuff, and he has always played really well.

“But being on the Tour with another 127 people, who will be throwing 95 averages or 100 averages, will be different. Just leave him alone. Just let him get on with it. Let him find his feet… but he is good.”