Michael van Gerwen drops hint as to how underdog could distract Luke Littler in World Darts Championship showdown

MICHAEL van Gerwen has dropped a hint for Luke Litter’s first opponent at the World Darts Championship.

Littler faces hairdresser Ryan Meikle in his second-round opener and the Ally Pally crowd will be buzzing to see him back in action.

GettyMichael van Gerwen dropped a hint for Luke Litter’s first opponent at the World Darts Championship[/caption]

GettyLittler kicks off his Ally Pally campaign o Saturday from 9pm[/caption]

RexLittler takes on barber Ryan Meikle[/caption]

But three-time champ Van Gerwen, 35, does not share the same enthusiasm.

In told his post-match press conference on Friday night: “I see him every week, why would I care? Who is he playing?

“Ryan is a good player. Ryan is quite a slow player so maybe we could have a surprise.”

Van Gerwen also took his opportunity to needle Littler about the first-round defeat he inflicted on him at the World Matchplay in July.

He added: “It wouldn’t be the first tournament he loses first round this year as well.

“But I still expect him to win. He’s great for what he’s done for the sport of darts. Amazing.”

Littler, who won Young Sports Personality of the Year this week, is a big favourite and one of the favourites to lift the crown.

The 17-year-old has climbed to fourth in the live provisional PDC Order of Merit, which is based on prize money earned over a two year period.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Meikle sits 58 places below him in the world rankings.

Meikle has already faced a scare at the Ally Pally in his opening match 3-2 victory against Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock.

Away from the oche, the 28-year-old from Ipswich sees him work as barber in Suffolk.

Speaking ahead of their match-up, Meikle appeared slightly awestruck at the prospect of playing Littler.

He told BBC Suffock: “There’ll be millions tuning in just to watch his game and I’m going to be a part of it.

“I’m going to feel honoured just to be up there with him.

“Obviously I need to play a lot better than I did in the first round but being up there once now – the first round is always the hardest – hopefully I’ll relax a bit more and play my best game.

Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport’s LIVE blog

“I’m living the dream and it’s the most amazing feeling.”

Tonight will be his fifth visit to the World Championship stage – and he’s never made it past the second-round.

Girlfriend Millie will come along to support him again.

Millie reportedly works as a midwife at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, according to The Mail.

Meikle is not full-time in darts and has worked for 10 years at Nicks Gent’s Hairdressing